Press Cuttings: 1997 - 2004

DEATH AT BUS STOP

HeadLine: DEATH AT BUS STOP

Daily Record, 09/05/1997, p2 
by Charles Beaton and Shaun Milne

Dad-of-two Ralph Sprott was shot dead in broad daylight as he strolled past a bus stop.
The security boss, nicknamed Big Ralphie, was blasted twice in the head by a hitman who fled on a motorbike.
It's thought the murder may be linked to Ralph's business, organising bouncers for nightclubs and discos.
His car was firebombed a few months ago, and he'd fitted security cameras at his home.
Ralph, 34, died in a busy street yards from home as he headed for his day job as a fireman.
The killer, wearing a black crash helmet, lay in wait across the street before walking calmly up to Ralph and opening fire at point- blank range.
The shooting was witnessed by horrified locals making their way to work.
A police source said: "This was a professional, clinical murder."
The assassin fled on the motorbike despite a heroic bid to stop him.
Passing bus driver Jim Daldry, 36, leapt from his cab and grabbed him.
But the hitman threatened him with his gun before speeding off.
Shocked locals, one in her nightclothes, rushed from their homes in Kilbowie Road, Clydebank, near Glasgow, after hearing the shots.
But it was too late to do anything for Ralph.
One resident said: "My wife heard a bang. We looked out the window and saw the man's body on the pavement.
"My daughter ran from the house in her pyjamas to try and help, but he was already dead."
Ralph's heartbroken wife Pauline and son Paul, nine, hurried to the murder scene as police began a massive hunt.
Locals said the hitman's grey bike had been in the area for almost two days before the shooting.
The police insider said it may have been "pre-placed" for the gunman, adding: "That adds weight to the line of inquiry that this may have been a contract killing."
A police helicopter tried to pinpoint the fleeing hitman, but he was last seen heading towards Glasgow.
Ralph, a 16-stone martial arts expert, was cleared two years ago of attempting to murder his ex-partner in a nightclub security firm.
He ruptured John Ferrier's pancreas with a powerful kick during a row over the business.
The jury decided he acted in self defence.
The Record tried to contact Mr Ferrier yesterday, but staff at the office where his business used to be based said he was abroad on holiday.
Local people were stunned by Ralph's death.
A close family friend said: "He was a character, much-loved about the town.
"I can't believe he was gunned down like a dog."
Postie Roland Mitchell, 36, added: "Big Ralphie was a man not to be trifled with - a real hard man.
"But he was a good guy."
A staff member at a chip shop near the murder scene said: "I liked Big Ralphie, but I know others didn't.
"Why did they have to go and kill him?"
Ralph worked at Clydebank Fire Station for 11 years. Strathclyde assistant firemaster Rab Coke said: "I'd like to convey our sympathy to his family."
Hero bus driver Jim was interviewed by detectives.
Police appealed for witnesses to the shooting. They also want to speak to anyone who may have seen the motorbike in the area.

**

FREEDOM FOR KILLER MUM

HeadLine: FREEDOM FOR KILLER MUM

Daily Record, 14/05/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum who plunged a knife through her lover's heart walked to freedom yesterday.
Elaine Forrest claimed she snapped after being repeatedly beaten and raped by Desmond Hughes.
She grabbed a kitchen knife and killed him with a single blow.
A judge told Elaine she was no danger to the public - and put her on probation for three years.
Last night, Elaine, who spent five months in jail waiting for her court appearance, said: "I'm so happy.
"I never thought I'd see my daughters again and I'm going to give them the biggest hugs of their lives."
Elaine, 25, said the worst thing about jail was not being able to be with Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa.
She sobbed: "I missed their birthdays, Christmas, and really thought I might never get out to see them again.
"One day in prison Laura asked me to go home with them for dinner and promised the guard she would bring me back.
"They're so special to me and I almost lost them. They're the most important thing in my world."
The High Court in Glasgow heard Elaine had suffered a catalogue of abuse at the hands of her boyfriend.
The pair started seeing each other in April last year but the relationship went sour.
Elaine said he often beat her up or raped her after he'd been drinking or taking drugs.
In the weeks before the killing last December, she called the police three times to complain about being assaulted in her home at Broxburn, West Lothian.
She said: "I wanted it to work but he made it so hard. He kept saying he would change but he never did.
"He kept saying he would get help for his drinking and drugs but it was all lies. He never changed.
"I feel sorry for his family. I wish it had never happened. If I could turn back the clock I would."
Elaine was originally charged with murder but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of culpable homicide.
The judge, Lord Abernethy, said it was a "very sad" case.
He put her on probation because of the "exceptional" circumstances.
Elaine broke down in tears when she realised she was going free but Hughes' relatives shouted: "Where's the justice?"
His sister, Rebecca Maver, 35, of Broxburn, said: "There's no way she should get away with it. She took my brother's life and should be jailed for life.
"Don't ask me to forgive her - I'll never forgive her. I hate her."

**

I CHASED WEE GIRLS AND CUT OFF THEIR HAIR

HeadLine: I CHASED WEE GIRLS AND CUT OFF THEIR HAIR

Daily Record, 14/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Serial killer Archie "Mad Dog" McCafferty was a sicko timebomb waiting to go off - at less than 10 YEARS OLD.
McCafferty, 49, last night admitted warped attacks on young girls as he roamed Glasgow as a child with his dog.
He said: "I used to do some weird s**t, you know.
"I used to get my dog to jump on little girls and I would cut their hair off and pigtails and ponytails.
"Then I would run home and put them in my case."
Mad Dog went on to tell of his:
* FIVE-DAY killing spree.
* BIZARRE obsession with the number seven.
* AND brutal time as a jail hardman.
McCafferty also claimed he was a changed man - and his ex-wife even said he had taught her right from wrong.
The killer was speaking publicly for the first time since finishing a 24-year jail term in Australia.
McCafferty, deported back to Scotland after his release, emigrated Down Under with his family from Glasgow aged 10.
He told Australian TV last night: "One of the reasons we went overseas was because I had got into trouble and caused my parents a problem.
"My father was a man who drove me to crime in my days of youth.
"He used to beat me with a fireman's belt with a big silver buckle and he would lock me in the coal bin."
Once in Australia, McCafferty became a drug addict. After the death of his son, Craig, he led a gang of "thrill killers".
In 1973 in Sydney, they murdered three strangers at random - George Anderson, Ronald Cox and Evangelos Kollias.
Mad Dog believed at the time that his dead son spoke to him.
He added: "His words filled my head - `Kill seven, kill seven, kill seven'.
"George Anderson was walking along the street. I went over to him and grabbed him by the collar and he said, `F**k off'.
"Those words sparked a madness deep inside me.
"All of a sudden, the man was lying on the footpath and in my hand I was holding a flick- knife covered in blood.
"I ended up stabbing him seven times." Ronald Cox was murdered just yards from where he was to be buried, itself near the grave of McCafferty's son.
Mad Dog said: "I remember when Ronald Cox came to the grave and I had just had a conversation with my dead son.
"Cox said, `Don't kill me, I have seven children'. I believed that for Cox to die, my son would come back that time because of the number seven."
McCafferty added: "The number was totally important to me. It ruled my life.
"If I combed my hair, I would count seven times. If I struck a match, I would count to seven. If I scratched my leg, I would count to seven."
After being jailed, McCafferty helped lead a brutal prison gang dubbed the Star Chamber by convicts - and the Death Squad by prison officers.
He said: "If there was a stabbing or an iron barring or a talking to or a murder or a drug deal needing done in the prison, we would sanction it." Inside, he also killed a fellow inmate and got another 12 years in 1985.
But Mad Dog said last night that love has softened him. He and ex-wife Amanda Queen, 30, plan to remarry.
She revealed: "When it came to the crunch of Archie getting deported, I jumped on a plane to help him. He's taught me a lot. He's taught me right from wrong."
Last night's programme followed McCafferty's return to Scotland.
Producers paid for him and Queen to stay at the plush Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomondside.
But locals in Glasgow's Sighthill threatened to kill Mad Dog if he appeared.
In an apparent bid to escape publicity, he moved to Edinburgh last week and was interviewed by the Oz TV crew at a secret address.
McCafferty has also been seen with Hugh Collins, the killer turned sculptor. Mad Dog, whose mother still lives in Australia, has changed his appearance in Scotland.
The documentary showed him having his beard shaved off.
He has also hired a lawyer and is looking for a publisher for his life story, Shall Seven Die, with a logo dripping in blood.
It opens: "This book is written with sincere apologies to all the family members that lost loved ones."
And the book ends: "Don't damn well feel sorry for me because I don't deserve it."
McCafferty added last night: "I like to think of myself as someone who has gone through a hard system and come out of it at the other end a good person.
"The risk has been taken. The parole board has released me.
"But I want to live a normal life. I want to do a normal day's work because I have never had that normality before."
* WEIRDO McCafferty was yesterday accused of dodging out of a guest house without paying his bill.
The killer has already been kicked out of one Edinburgh bed and breakfast after the boss recognised him.
Last night, Anne Thomson, 48, landlady of the Anvilla Guesthouse in Granville Terrace, in the city, said the killer sneaked away without paying his £36 bill.
Anne said he spent several hours with Amanda in a double room.
She added: "I was quite annoyed about the whole thing. I rushed around to get a room ready for them and then they sneaked off without paying."

**

My Rolex got nicked and it's only on tick!

HeadLine: My Rolex got nicked and it's only on tick!

Daily Record, 15/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Footballer John Davies faces a huge cash penalty after leaving a valuable Rolex watch in his car.
The £10,500 timepiece was nicked - and the Airdrie star had it on approval from a jeweller.
John's best pal, pop star John Reid of the Nightcrawlers, was planning to buy it in a discount deal.
But now the Diamonds' midfielder may have to stump up for the watch himself.
Father-of-two John faces a nerve-jangling league play-off clash with Hibs on Saturday.
And it's the second time jinxed John has been hit by thieves in the run- up to a crunch match.
Days before Airdrie's 1995 Scottish Cup final against Celtic, his car was broken into.
His prized £1000 golf clubs, a gift from Scotland player John Spencer, were swiped.
The clubs of teammates Jim McIntyre and Steve Cooper vanished, too.
And John was left with a £810 repair bill to fix his car.
Last night John, 30, who lives in Paisley, said: "I'm just hoping the insurance pays up.
"If they don't then I'll just have to sit down and talk to the shop about it.
"I don't know what I'll do, maybe pay them some money for it every month.
"I don't need this hassle before such a big game and I don't want to put all this on the boys. It's a massive game on Saturday."
He got the designer watch from Strang the Jewellers at the Cameron House Hotel in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire.
He locked it in his Mercedes in the hotel car park.
John said: "A boy who works for Strang's gives people a good discount. That is why we go there.
"I left it in the car for about 15 minutes and it was gone.
"They smashed my side window. Whoever did it probably doesn't even realise what they've got."
A supervisor at jewellers Strang refused to discuss the incident, but said: "The guy was very upset."
Detective Constable John O'Donnell said: "He's worried it could damage the club's reputation."

**

Tragic mum in Legal Aid heartbreak

HeadLine: Tragic mum in Legal Aid heartbreak

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

A grieving mum whose son died in her arms after being electrocuted has been refused Legal Aid for a death probe.
Liz Stuart has been told no cash is available to help her find out why Stephen Masson, 10, died in the 25,000-volt blast.
It comes as a double blow to Stephen's family after his dad, George Masson, was last week also denied Legal Aid to send a lawyer to the probe.
Stephen was electrocuted when a scaffolding pole he was holding clipped a powerline at Corkerhill Station in Glasgow last October.
His parents separated eight years ago but are united in their search for the truth.
Last night Liz, 35, of Govan, Glasgow, said: "I want to know what the hell is going on. How can they knock us back? I want to know why my son died."
Stephen suffered 90 per cent burns in the tragedy and died in hospital five days later.
Liz sobbed: "He just deteriorated in front of me and died in my arms."
She also revealed three of her other sons had been protesting at the station about the Legal Aid decision.
At the time of the tragedy, rail bosses were criticised for not repairing a fence.
Railtrack said they could not comment until after the fatal accident inquiry.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board also said they could not comment.
The fatal accident inquiry, due to be held a fortnight ago, was adjourned until July to allow for appeals against the legal aid decision.

**

They won't give me cash to probe son's fireball death

HeadLine: They won't give me cash to probe son's fireball death

Daily Record, 08/05/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A heartbroken dad who saw his son die after being electrocuted has been refused Legal Aid for the death probe.
Stephen Masson, 10, was turned into a human fireball when a scaffolding pole he was holding clipped a power line.
Yesterday, a fatal accident inquiry was adjourned when it was revealed George Masson's application to get Legal Aid for a lawyer at the probe was turned down.
Last night, George, 52, said: "I've not got the money to take on the fat cats. I don't know why they won't give me Legal Aid. Nobody will tell me."
He sobbed as he recounted the "nightmare" of seeing Stephen's last moments but vowed not to let somebody else's child die in the same way.
Stephen died from a 25,000-volt blast after crawling through a hole in a fence at Corkerhill Station, Glasgow, last October.
George, of Corkerhill Road, Glasgow, said: "It still haunts me. One of his pals came screaming `George, George, Stephen's on fire.
"I still don't know how I got over the fence but I just knew I had to.
"There was a neighbour there trying to put out the flames with her coat and we rolled him over and over.
"He was shouting `mum, mum' and all I could do was cover him up because all his clothes were burned off.
"There was nothing I could do. I've put in for a house transfer because everytime I look out I see where it happened. Even when I wake up at funny hours, there's a big light shines on the exact spot."
Stephen died in Yorkhill Hospital five days after the massive electric surge caused 90 per cent burns.
At the time, ScotRail were criticised for not repairing the boundary fence despite claims they had been warned for 12 years.
But George's hopes of finding out who was really to blame were shattered at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday. Sheriff Craig Henry adjourned the inquiry until July to give George a chance to appeal against the Legal Aid decision.
George added: "I go to the cemetery two or three times a week and talk to his grave. What else can I do?
"It could happen again. They fixed it for a while with string but that's not enough.
"Something has got to be done before someone else's child dies."
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board said they couldn't comment.
Railtrack, who took over ScotRail stations, said they could not comment until after the inquiry.

**

Claymore wielding nut holds cops at bay for 5 hours

HeadLine: Claymore wielding nut holds cops at bay for 5 hours

Daily Record, 08/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A nutty tartan-clad Scot armed with two swords threatened police in Australia for over five hours yesterday.
Bruce Duncan, 30, was shouting in Gaelic and complaining about the SNP's election showing.
Calling himself "The Last Highlander" the ex-pat swung a claymore and samurai sword inches from the faces of police negotiators.
Duncan, who'd had a row with his ex-girlfriend, even taunted police marksmen to kill him as he marched along a Melbourne street.
A police spokesman said: "We're not sure if he thought he was in the Highlander film or Braveheart."
Officers sealed off the area after passers-by spotted knives strapped to Duncan's body.
The Scot was believed to have moved Down Under two years ago to live with his Australian- born girlfriend, then split up with her.
Police said the pair had been arguing before the drama, during which Duncan raved that the general election had been rigged.
Senior PC Wayne Wilson added: "He was also shouting in Gaelic about something.
"At one point he was threatening to do away with himself then changed his mind and tried to get us to do the job for him."
A police dog eventually sneaked up behind Duncan and grabbed him by the leg, allowing officers to move in.
Police spokesman Wilson added: "We sent him for a psychological assessment."
Foreign Office officials said they would interview Duncan after the Record alerted them.
He was charged with two counts of threatening to kill and is due in court next month.

**

HORROR AT 100ft

HeadLine: HORROR AT 100ft

Daily Record, 01/05/1997, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE 

Horror came to the centre of Edinburgh yesterday when a young man threw himself from a bridge and fell 100 feet.
Witnesses burst into tears after the man hurled his pet Jack Russell terrier over the edge, then leapt after it.
The man fell on to the roof of Waverley Station's ticket office, almost crashing through the station's glass canopy.
He was "very seriously ill" in hospital last night after the suicide bid.
A vet fought to save the dog, but it died of its injuries.
The man, understood to be homeless, climbed on to the city's North Bridge just after noon.
He sat smoking, and swinging his legs over the edge, while police brought in members of his family to try to talk him down. But he refused to talk to negotiators.
The area was sealed to all traffic except buses, and the Waverley ticket office was cleared of customers.
The man jumped at about 3.15pm.
Eyewitness Graham Penman, 27, said: "It was horrible. He just stood up, grabbed the dog and threw it down.
"Then he stood on the edge, swayed from side to side, and just jumped.
"He somersaulted two or three times before he disappeared."
An ambulance service spokesman said: "He landed in a guttering area after hitting some pipes.
"It was quite difficult to get to him. He had severe head injuries and was suffering from multiple trauma."
The man was treated by paramedics at the scene, then rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary under police escort.

**

Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

HeadLine: Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

Daily Record, 28/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A group of mums told yesterday how alcopops had made their lives hell.
One revealed how her 13-year-old daughter was taken to hospital after bingeing on the trendy brew.
Another spoke of seeing a teenage girl stripped naked by boys because she was so drunk.
They were part of a group of parents who gathered yesterday and demanded action to ban all alcopops.
They want the drinks taken off the shelves and are backing the Record's campaign against them.
One mum, who gave her name only as Eileen, said she was devastated after finding her daughter on her knees because she was so drunk.
She told the meeting at Edinburgh's Muirhouse Festival Arts Centre: "I just found her lying at my front door and took her to hospital.
"She'd banged her head and was violent, kicking the nurses."
Linda Gilchrist, 41, said: "I had to call the police just the other night. There was a girl, I would say she was only about 13, completely out of it.
"She was stripped naked by four boys, only about 15 years old, and could do nothing about it. I don't know what happened to her after."
Helen Leadbetter, 32, from Muirhouse Place East, said: "They just sit drinking boxes of the stuff and get out of their face.
"We can't even let the bairns stay out any more because they've started threatening them with broken bottles.
"The alcopops should be banned. It's the shopkeepers and the way the bottles are made to look that I blame. It's just terrible."
Labour Euro MP David Martin who was at the meeting said he would push for alcopops to be taxed the same as whisky to make them too expensive for youngsters to buy.

**

OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

HeadLine: OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

Daily Record, 26/04/1997, p5 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A couple say their street is a death trap after a THIRD car crashed into their house.
Jack and Myra Sneddon were in their garden - just minutes before a car ploughed through their fence.
Last night, Myra, 59, of Bo'ness, West Lothian, said: "I'm scared stiff. We're sick of it."
Two years ago, Jack, 62, escaped injury when a car smashed through their bedroom wall. The year before, a car hit the same wall and caused exterior damage.
Myra added: "This can't go on. Council officials are coming to see me.
"I want them to have speed restrictions and a barrier put up."
A Falkirk Council spokeswoman said: "It's a tremendous run of bad luck but there appears to be no common thread."

**

SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

HeadLine: SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

Daily Record, 24/04/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A top Scots climber has died trying to fulfil his dream of conquering Mount Everest.
Mal Duff, 43, was found dead in his bed by friends at their Himalayan base camp yesterday.
He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Devastated wife Liz, 40 - also a keen climber - was being comforted by her family at her home in Culross, Fife. She plans to fly out to Nepal to bring her husband's body home.
She said: "I'm finding it hard to accept. He was such a strong guy."
And she vowed: "I'll never climb again. There is no-one else I would want to climb with."
Mal, who had made several unsuccessful attempts at Everest, was the guide in a seven-man expedition organised by his Fife-based Team Ascent company.
The team had all but finished their preparations and were due to start the climb within days.
Friend Hamish MacInnes, founder member of Glencoe Mountain Rescue, said Mal's death was a "great loss to Scottish mountaineering".

**

SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

HeadLine: SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p1 
by NICK BRITTEN AND SHAUN MILNE

A boy of 12 was crushed to death under the wheels of his school bus yesterday.
The first-year youngster got out of class late and chased the double- decker across the school car park.
He was trying to catch the driver's attention when he stumbled and fell under the front wheels.
The bus was packed with children who screamed in horror as they saw the accident.
Mercy crews found the bus still in the school grounds, with its front wheels on top of the boy.
They tried to revive him, but it's thought he died instantly.
The accident happened at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, West Lothian, yesterday afternoon.
The bus belongs to Lothian Regional Transport, and was contracted out to the local council to carry schoolkids.
Peter Burden, LRT operations manager, said: "We are all very sad. It's such a horrible thing.
"It's far too early to say what happened. The matter is under investigation."
West Lothian Council's education chairman Ross Martin said: "It is most distressing to hear of such a sad incident in the grounds of one of our schools.
"On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the boy's family.
"We will be carrying out a full investigation."
Police investigators were examining the bus last night, hoping to find clues.
It is the latest in a series of horrific accidents involving school buses.
In August last year Craig Brown, 12, was crushed under both sets of wheels of a bus in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire while returning home from school.
Seven months earlier Michael Grady,14, was killed by a school bus on his way to classes in Kent.
And in 1993, Christopher Wilson, 12, of Drongan, Ayrshire, died under the wheels of a school bus at Auchinleck Academy.

**

John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

HeadLine: John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p15
by SHAUN MILNE AND BILLY ADAMS

A man cheated death yesterday when his home was blown apart by a gas explosion as he cooked his breakfast.
The blast caved in walls and shattered windows and could be heard several miles away.
A major disaster was only avoided because the rush-hour had just died down in the area of Edinburgh.
The blast is thought to have been caused by a gas build-up in John Fleming's kitchen.
John, 29, was cooking breakfast in his second-floor tenement flat in Wardlaw Street, Edinburgh, when the explosion happened just after 9am.
Debris shattered flat windows and car windscreens up to 50 yards away.
Patrick Kerrigan, 62, who lives in a flat opposite, said: "I heard a big bang and next thing I knew I was covered in glass. It was terrifying. I thought a bomb had gone off."
Scores of people were evacuated to a nearby day centre, some badly shaken and wearing only nightclothes.
John was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as "stable" last night.
An ambulance spokesman said it was a miracle only one person had been hurt. He added: "It's lucky the rush hour was over and people weren't walking in what is normally a busy street.
Police said the explosion seemed to have come from John's cooker but investigations were continuing.
* TWO people died in an horrific gas blast in Edinburgh's Guthrie Street in October 1989.

**

Rev's out to rock the world

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: DEATH AT BUS STOP

Daily Record, 09/05/1997, p2 
by Charles Beaton and Shaun Milne

Dad-of-two Ralph Sprott was shot dead in broad daylight as he strolled past a bus stop.
The security boss, nicknamed Big Ralphie, was blasted twice in the head by a hitman who fled on a motorbike.
It's thought the murder may be linked to Ralph's business, organising bouncers for nightclubs and discos.
His car was firebombed a few months ago, and he'd fitted security cameras at his home.
Ralph, 34, died in a busy street yards from home as he headed for his day job as a fireman.
The killer, wearing a black crash helmet, lay in wait across the street before walking calmly up to Ralph and opening fire at point- blank range.
The shooting was witnessed by horrified locals making their way to work.
A police source said: "This was a professional, clinical murder."
The assassin fled on the motorbike despite a heroic bid to stop him.
Passing bus driver Jim Daldry, 36, leapt from his cab and grabbed him.
But the hitman threatened him with his gun before speeding off.
Shocked locals, one in her nightclothes, rushed from their homes in Kilbowie Road, Clydebank, near Glasgow, after hearing the shots.
But it was too late to do anything for Ralph.
One resident said: "My wife heard a bang. We looked out the window and saw the man's body on the pavement.
"My daughter ran from the house in her pyjamas to try and help, but he was already dead."
Ralph's heartbroken wife Pauline and son Paul, nine, hurried to the murder scene as police began a massive hunt.
Locals said the hitman's grey bike had been in the area for almost two days before the shooting.
The police insider said it may have been "pre-placed" for the gunman, adding: "That adds weight to the line of inquiry that this may have been a contract killing."
A police helicopter tried to pinpoint the fleeing hitman, but he was last seen heading towards Glasgow.
Ralph, a 16-stone martial arts expert, was cleared two years ago of attempting to murder his ex-partner in a nightclub security firm.
He ruptured John Ferrier's pancreas with a powerful kick during a row over the business.
The jury decided he acted in self defence.
The Record tried to contact Mr Ferrier yesterday, but staff at the office where his business used to be based said he was abroad on holiday.
Local people were stunned by Ralph's death.
A close family friend said: "He was a character, much-loved about the town.
"I can't believe he was gunned down like a dog."
Postie Roland Mitchell, 36, added: "Big Ralphie was a man not to be trifled with - a real hard man.
"But he was a good guy."
A staff member at a chip shop near the murder scene said: "I liked Big Ralphie, but I know others didn't.
"Why did they have to go and kill him?"
Ralph worked at Clydebank Fire Station for 11 years. Strathclyde assistant firemaster Rab Coke said: "I'd like to convey our sympathy to his family."
Hero bus driver Jim was interviewed by detectives.
Police appealed for witnesses to the shooting. They also want to speak to anyone who may have seen the motorbike in the area.

**

FREEDOM FOR KILLER MUM

HeadLine: FREEDOM FOR KILLER MUM

Daily Record, 14/05/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum who plunged a knife through her lover's heart walked to freedom yesterday.
Elaine Forrest claimed she snapped after being repeatedly beaten and raped by Desmond Hughes.
She grabbed a kitchen knife and killed him with a single blow.
A judge told Elaine she was no danger to the public - and put her on probation for three years.
Last night, Elaine, who spent five months in jail waiting for her court appearance, said: "I'm so happy.
"I never thought I'd see my daughters again and I'm going to give them the biggest hugs of their lives."
Elaine, 25, said the worst thing about jail was not being able to be with Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa.
She sobbed: "I missed their birthdays, Christmas, and really thought I might never get out to see them again.
"One day in prison Laura asked me to go home with them for dinner and promised the guard she would bring me back.
"They're so special to me and I almost lost them. They're the most important thing in my world."
The High Court in Glasgow heard Elaine had suffered a catalogue of abuse at the hands of her boyfriend.
The pair started seeing each other in April last year but the relationship went sour.
Elaine said he often beat her up or raped her after he'd been drinking or taking drugs.
In the weeks before the killing last December, she called the police three times to complain about being assaulted in her home at Broxburn, West Lothian.
She said: "I wanted it to work but he made it so hard. He kept saying he would change but he never did.
"He kept saying he would get help for his drinking and drugs but it was all lies. He never changed.
"I feel sorry for his family. I wish it had never happened. If I could turn back the clock I would."
Elaine was originally charged with murder but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of culpable homicide.
The judge, Lord Abernethy, said it was a "very sad" case.
He put her on probation because of the "exceptional" circumstances.
Elaine broke down in tears when she realised she was going free but Hughes' relatives shouted: "Where's the justice?"
His sister, Rebecca Maver, 35, of Broxburn, said: "There's no way she should get away with it. She took my brother's life and should be jailed for life.
"Don't ask me to forgive her - I'll never forgive her. I hate her."

**

I CHASED WEE GIRLS AND CUT OFF THEIR HAIR

HeadLine: I CHASED WEE GIRLS AND CUT OFF THEIR HAIR

Daily Record, 14/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Serial killer Archie "Mad Dog" McCafferty was a sicko timebomb waiting to go off - at less than 10 YEARS OLD.
McCafferty, 49, last night admitted warped attacks on young girls as he roamed Glasgow as a child with his dog.
He said: "I used to do some weird s**t, you know.
"I used to get my dog to jump on little girls and I would cut their hair off and pigtails and ponytails.
"Then I would run home and put them in my case."
Mad Dog went on to tell of his:
* FIVE-DAY killing spree.
* BIZARRE obsession with the number seven.
* AND brutal time as a jail hardman.
McCafferty also claimed he was a changed man - and his ex-wife even said he had taught her right from wrong.
The killer was speaking publicly for the first time since finishing a 24-year jail term in Australia.
McCafferty, deported back to Scotland after his release, emigrated Down Under with his family from Glasgow aged 10.
He told Australian TV last night: "One of the reasons we went overseas was because I had got into trouble and caused my parents a problem.
"My father was a man who drove me to crime in my days of youth.
"He used to beat me with a fireman's belt with a big silver buckle and he would lock me in the coal bin."
Once in Australia, McCafferty became a drug addict. After the death of his son, Craig, he led a gang of "thrill killers".
In 1973 in Sydney, they murdered three strangers at random - George Anderson, Ronald Cox and Evangelos Kollias.
Mad Dog believed at the time that his dead son spoke to him.
He added: "His words filled my head - `Kill seven, kill seven, kill seven'.
"George Anderson was walking along the street. I went over to him and grabbed him by the collar and he said, `F**k off'.
"Those words sparked a madness deep inside me.
"All of a sudden, the man was lying on the footpath and in my hand I was holding a flick- knife covered in blood.
"I ended up stabbing him seven times." Ronald Cox was murdered just yards from where he was to be buried, itself near the grave of McCafferty's son.
Mad Dog said: "I remember when Ronald Cox came to the grave and I had just had a conversation with my dead son.
"Cox said, `Don't kill me, I have seven children'. I believed that for Cox to die, my son would come back that time because of the number seven."
McCafferty added: "The number was totally important to me. It ruled my life.
"If I combed my hair, I would count seven times. If I struck a match, I would count to seven. If I scratched my leg, I would count to seven."
After being jailed, McCafferty helped lead a brutal prison gang dubbed the Star Chamber by convicts - and the Death Squad by prison officers.
He said: "If there was a stabbing or an iron barring or a talking to or a murder or a drug deal needing done in the prison, we would sanction it." Inside, he also killed a fellow inmate and got another 12 years in 1985.
But Mad Dog said last night that love has softened him. He and ex-wife Amanda Queen, 30, plan to remarry.
She revealed: "When it came to the crunch of Archie getting deported, I jumped on a plane to help him. He's taught me a lot. He's taught me right from wrong."
Last night's programme followed McCafferty's return to Scotland.
Producers paid for him and Queen to stay at the plush Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomondside.
But locals in Glasgow's Sighthill threatened to kill Mad Dog if he appeared.
In an apparent bid to escape publicity, he moved to Edinburgh last week and was interviewed by the Oz TV crew at a secret address.
McCafferty has also been seen with Hugh Collins, the killer turned sculptor. Mad Dog, whose mother still lives in Australia, has changed his appearance in Scotland.
The documentary showed him having his beard shaved off.
He has also hired a lawyer and is looking for a publisher for his life story, Shall Seven Die, with a logo dripping in blood.
It opens: "This book is written with sincere apologies to all the family members that lost loved ones."
And the book ends: "Don't damn well feel sorry for me because I don't deserve it."
McCafferty added last night: "I like to think of myself as someone who has gone through a hard system and come out of it at the other end a good person.
"The risk has been taken. The parole board has released me.
"But I want to live a normal life. I want to do a normal day's work because I have never had that normality before."
* WEIRDO McCafferty was yesterday accused of dodging out of a guest house without paying his bill.
The killer has already been kicked out of one Edinburgh bed and breakfast after the boss recognised him.
Last night, Anne Thomson, 48, landlady of the Anvilla Guesthouse in Granville Terrace, in the city, said the killer sneaked away without paying his £36 bill.
Anne said he spent several hours with Amanda in a double room.
She added: "I was quite annoyed about the whole thing. I rushed around to get a room ready for them and then they sneaked off without paying."

**

My Rolex got nicked and it's only on tick!

HeadLine: My Rolex got nicked and it's only on tick!

Daily Record, 15/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Footballer John Davies faces a huge cash penalty after leaving a valuable Rolex watch in his car.
The £10,500 timepiece was nicked - and the Airdrie star had it on approval from a jeweller.
John's best pal, pop star John Reid of the Nightcrawlers, was planning to buy it in a discount deal.
But now the Diamonds' midfielder may have to stump up for the watch himself.
Father-of-two John faces a nerve-jangling league play-off clash with Hibs on Saturday.
And it's the second time jinxed John has been hit by thieves in the run- up to a crunch match.
Days before Airdrie's 1995 Scottish Cup final against Celtic, his car was broken into.
His prized £1000 golf clubs, a gift from Scotland player John Spencer, were swiped.
The clubs of teammates Jim McIntyre and Steve Cooper vanished, too.
And John was left with a £810 repair bill to fix his car.
Last night John, 30, who lives in Paisley, said: "I'm just hoping the insurance pays up.
"If they don't then I'll just have to sit down and talk to the shop about it.
"I don't know what I'll do, maybe pay them some money for it every month.
"I don't need this hassle before such a big game and I don't want to put all this on the boys. It's a massive game on Saturday."
He got the designer watch from Strang the Jewellers at the Cameron House Hotel in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire.
He locked it in his Mercedes in the hotel car park.
John said: "A boy who works for Strang's gives people a good discount. That is why we go there.
"I left it in the car for about 15 minutes and it was gone.
"They smashed my side window. Whoever did it probably doesn't even realise what they've got."
A supervisor at jewellers Strang refused to discuss the incident, but said: "The guy was very upset."
Detective Constable John O'Donnell said: "He's worried it could damage the club's reputation."

**

Tragic mum in Legal Aid heartbreak

HeadLine: Tragic mum in Legal Aid heartbreak

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

A grieving mum whose son died in her arms after being electrocuted has been refused Legal Aid for a death probe.
Liz Stuart has been told no cash is available to help her find out why Stephen Masson, 10, died in the 25,000-volt blast.
It comes as a double blow to Stephen's family after his dad, George Masson, was last week also denied Legal Aid to send a lawyer to the probe.
Stephen was electrocuted when a scaffolding pole he was holding clipped a powerline at Corkerhill Station in Glasgow last October.
His parents separated eight years ago but are united in their search for the truth.
Last night Liz, 35, of Govan, Glasgow, said: "I want to know what the hell is going on. How can they knock us back? I want to know why my son died."
Stephen suffered 90 per cent burns in the tragedy and died in hospital five days later.
Liz sobbed: "He just deteriorated in front of me and died in my arms."
She also revealed three of her other sons had been protesting at the station about the Legal Aid decision.
At the time of the tragedy, rail bosses were criticised for not repairing a fence.
Railtrack said they could not comment until after the fatal accident inquiry.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board also said they could not comment.
The fatal accident inquiry, due to be held a fortnight ago, was adjourned until July to allow for appeals against the legal aid decision.

**

They won't give me cash to probe son's fireball death

HeadLine: They won't give me cash to probe son's fireball death

Daily Record, 08/05/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A heartbroken dad who saw his son die after being electrocuted has been refused Legal Aid for the death probe.
Stephen Masson, 10, was turned into a human fireball when a scaffolding pole he was holding clipped a power line.
Yesterday, a fatal accident inquiry was adjourned when it was revealed George Masson's application to get Legal Aid for a lawyer at the probe was turned down.
Last night, George, 52, said: "I've not got the money to take on the fat cats. I don't know why they won't give me Legal Aid. Nobody will tell me."
He sobbed as he recounted the "nightmare" of seeing Stephen's last moments but vowed not to let somebody else's child die in the same way.
Stephen died from a 25,000-volt blast after crawling through a hole in a fence at Corkerhill Station, Glasgow, last October.
George, of Corkerhill Road, Glasgow, said: "It still haunts me. One of his pals came screaming `George, George, Stephen's on fire.
"I still don't know how I got over the fence but I just knew I had to.
"There was a neighbour there trying to put out the flames with her coat and we rolled him over and over.
"He was shouting `mum, mum' and all I could do was cover him up because all his clothes were burned off.
"There was nothing I could do. I've put in for a house transfer because everytime I look out I see where it happened. Even when I wake up at funny hours, there's a big light shines on the exact spot."
Stephen died in Yorkhill Hospital five days after the massive electric surge caused 90 per cent burns.
At the time, ScotRail were criticised for not repairing the boundary fence despite claims they had been warned for 12 years.
But George's hopes of finding out who was really to blame were shattered at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday. Sheriff Craig Henry adjourned the inquiry until July to give George a chance to appeal against the Legal Aid decision.
George added: "I go to the cemetery two or three times a week and talk to his grave. What else can I do?
"It could happen again. They fixed it for a while with string but that's not enough.
"Something has got to be done before someone else's child dies."
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board said they couldn't comment.
Railtrack, who took over ScotRail stations, said they could not comment until after the inquiry.

**

Claymore wielding nut holds cops at bay for 5 hours

HeadLine: Claymore wielding nut holds cops at bay for 5 hours

Daily Record, 08/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A nutty tartan-clad Scot armed with two swords threatened police in Australia for over five hours yesterday.
Bruce Duncan, 30, was shouting in Gaelic and complaining about the SNP's election showing.
Calling himself "The Last Highlander" the ex-pat swung a claymore and samurai sword inches from the faces of police negotiators.
Duncan, who'd had a row with his ex-girlfriend, even taunted police marksmen to kill him as he marched along a Melbourne street.
A police spokesman said: "We're not sure if he thought he was in the Highlander film or Braveheart."
Officers sealed off the area after passers-by spotted knives strapped to Duncan's body.
The Scot was believed to have moved Down Under two years ago to live with his Australian- born girlfriend, then split up with her.
Police said the pair had been arguing before the drama, during which Duncan raved that the general election had been rigged.
Senior PC Wayne Wilson added: "He was also shouting in Gaelic about something.
"At one point he was threatening to do away with himself then changed his mind and tried to get us to do the job for him."
A police dog eventually sneaked up behind Duncan and grabbed him by the leg, allowing officers to move in.
Police spokesman Wilson added: "We sent him for a psychological assessment."
Foreign Office officials said they would interview Duncan after the Record alerted them.
He was charged with two counts of threatening to kill and is due in court next month.

**

HORROR AT 100ft

HeadLine: HORROR AT 100ft

Daily Record, 01/05/1997, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE 

Horror came to the centre of Edinburgh yesterday when a young man threw himself from a bridge and fell 100 feet.
Witnesses burst into tears after the man hurled his pet Jack Russell terrier over the edge, then leapt after it.
The man fell on to the roof of Waverley Station's ticket office, almost crashing through the station's glass canopy.
He was "very seriously ill" in hospital last night after the suicide bid.
A vet fought to save the dog, but it died of its injuries.
The man, understood to be homeless, climbed on to the city's North Bridge just after noon.
He sat smoking, and swinging his legs over the edge, while police brought in members of his family to try to talk him down. But he refused to talk to negotiators.
The area was sealed to all traffic except buses, and the Waverley ticket office was cleared of customers.
The man jumped at about 3.15pm.
Eyewitness Graham Penman, 27, said: "It was horrible. He just stood up, grabbed the dog and threw it down.
"Then he stood on the edge, swayed from side to side, and just jumped.
"He somersaulted two or three times before he disappeared."
An ambulance service spokesman said: "He landed in a guttering area after hitting some pipes.
"It was quite difficult to get to him. He had severe head injuries and was suffering from multiple trauma."
The man was treated by paramedics at the scene, then rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary under police escort.

**

Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

HeadLine: Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

Daily Record, 28/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A group of mums told yesterday how alcopops had made their lives hell.
One revealed how her 13-year-old daughter was taken to hospital after bingeing on the trendy brew.
Another spoke of seeing a teenage girl stripped naked by boys because she was so drunk.
They were part of a group of parents who gathered yesterday and demanded action to ban all alcopops.
They want the drinks taken off the shelves and are backing the Record's campaign against them.
One mum, who gave her name only as Eileen, said she was devastated after finding her daughter on her knees because she was so drunk.
She told the meeting at Edinburgh's Muirhouse Festival Arts Centre: "I just found her lying at my front door and took her to hospital.
"She'd banged her head and was violent, kicking the nurses."
Linda Gilchrist, 41, said: "I had to call the police just the other night. There was a girl, I would say she was only about 13, completely out of it.
"She was stripped naked by four boys, only about 15 years old, and could do nothing about it. I don't know what happened to her after."
Helen Leadbetter, 32, from Muirhouse Place East, said: "They just sit drinking boxes of the stuff and get out of their face.
"We can't even let the bairns stay out any more because they've started threatening them with broken bottles.
"The alcopops should be banned. It's the shopkeepers and the way the bottles are made to look that I blame. It's just terrible."
Labour Euro MP David Martin who was at the meeting said he would push for alcopops to be taxed the same as whisky to make them too expensive for youngsters to buy.

**

OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

HeadLine: OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

Daily Record, 26/04/1997, p5 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A couple say their street is a death trap after a THIRD car crashed into their house.
Jack and Myra Sneddon were in their garden - just minutes before a car ploughed through their fence.
Last night, Myra, 59, of Bo'ness, West Lothian, said: "I'm scared stiff. We're sick of it."
Two years ago, Jack, 62, escaped injury when a car smashed through their bedroom wall. The year before, a car hit the same wall and caused exterior damage.
Myra added: "This can't go on. Council officials are coming to see me.
"I want them to have speed restrictions and a barrier put up."
A Falkirk Council spokeswoman said: "It's a tremendous run of bad luck but there appears to be no common thread."

**

SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

HeadLine: SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

Daily Record, 24/04/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A top Scots climber has died trying to fulfil his dream of conquering Mount Everest.
Mal Duff, 43, was found dead in his bed by friends at their Himalayan base camp yesterday.
He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Devastated wife Liz, 40 - also a keen climber - was being comforted by her family at her home in Culross, Fife. She plans to fly out to Nepal to bring her husband's body home.
She said: "I'm finding it hard to accept. He was such a strong guy."
And she vowed: "I'll never climb again. There is no-one else I would want to climb with."
Mal, who had made several unsuccessful attempts at Everest, was the guide in a seven-man expedition organised by his Fife-based Team Ascent company.
The team had all but finished their preparations and were due to start the climb within days.
Friend Hamish MacInnes, founder member of Glencoe Mountain Rescue, said Mal's death was a "great loss to Scottish mountaineering".

**

SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

HeadLine: SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p1 
by NICK BRITTEN AND SHAUN MILNE

A boy of 12 was crushed to death under the wheels of his school bus yesterday.
The first-year youngster got out of class late and chased the double- decker across the school car park.
He was trying to catch the driver's attention when he stumbled and fell under the front wheels.
The bus was packed with children who screamed in horror as they saw the accident.
Mercy crews found the bus still in the school grounds, with its front wheels on top of the boy.
They tried to revive him, but it's thought he died instantly.
The accident happened at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, West Lothian, yesterday afternoon.
The bus belongs to Lothian Regional Transport, and was contracted out to the local council to carry schoolkids.
Peter Burden, LRT operations manager, said: "We are all very sad. It's such a horrible thing.
"It's far too early to say what happened. The matter is under investigation."
West Lothian Council's education chairman Ross Martin said: "It is most distressing to hear of such a sad incident in the grounds of one of our schools.
"On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the boy's family.
"We will be carrying out a full investigation."
Police investigators were examining the bus last night, hoping to find clues.
It is the latest in a series of horrific accidents involving school buses.
In August last year Craig Brown, 12, was crushed under both sets of wheels of a bus in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire while returning home from school.
Seven months earlier Michael Grady,14, was killed by a school bus on his way to classes in Kent.
And in 1993, Christopher Wilson, 12, of Drongan, Ayrshire, died under the wheels of a school bus at Auchinleck Academy.

**

John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

HeadLine: John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p15
by SHAUN MILNE AND BILLY ADAMS

A man cheated death yesterday when his home was blown apart by a gas explosion as he cooked his breakfast.
The blast caved in walls and shattered windows and could be heard several miles away.
A major disaster was only avoided because the rush-hour had just died down in the area of Edinburgh.
The blast is thought to have been caused by a gas build-up in John Fleming's kitchen.
John, 29, was cooking breakfast in his second-floor tenement flat in Wardlaw Street, Edinburgh, when the explosion happened just after 9am.
Debris shattered flat windows and car windscreens up to 50 yards away.
Patrick Kerrigan, 62, who lives in a flat opposite, said: "I heard a big bang and next thing I knew I was covered in glass. It was terrifying. I thought a bomb had gone off."
Scores of people were evacuated to a nearby day centre, some badly shaken and wearing only nightclothes.
John was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as "stable" last night.
An ambulance spokesman said it was a miracle only one person had been hurt. He added: "It's lucky the rush hour was over and people weren't walking in what is normally a busy street.
Police said the explosion seemed to have come from John's cooker but investigations were continuing.
* TWO people died in an horrific gas blast in Edinburgh's Guthrie Street in October 1989.

**

Rev's out to rock the world

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: FREEDOM FOR KILLER MUM

Daily Record, 14/05/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum who plunged a knife through her lover's heart walked to freedom yesterday.
Elaine Forrest claimed she snapped after being repeatedly beaten and raped by Desmond Hughes.
She grabbed a kitchen knife and killed him with a single blow.
A judge told Elaine she was no danger to the public - and put her on probation for three years.
Last night, Elaine, who spent five months in jail waiting for her court appearance, said: "I'm so happy.
"I never thought I'd see my daughters again and I'm going to give them the biggest hugs of their lives."
Elaine, 25, said the worst thing about jail was not being able to be with Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa.
She sobbed: "I missed their birthdays, Christmas, and really thought I might never get out to see them again.
"One day in prison Laura asked me to go home with them for dinner and promised the guard she would bring me back.
"They're so special to me and I almost lost them. They're the most important thing in my world."
The High Court in Glasgow heard Elaine had suffered a catalogue of abuse at the hands of her boyfriend.
The pair started seeing each other in April last year but the relationship went sour.
Elaine said he often beat her up or raped her after he'd been drinking or taking drugs.
In the weeks before the killing last December, she called the police three times to complain about being assaulted in her home at Broxburn, West Lothian.
She said: "I wanted it to work but he made it so hard. He kept saying he would change but he never did.
"He kept saying he would get help for his drinking and drugs but it was all lies. He never changed.
"I feel sorry for his family. I wish it had never happened. If I could turn back the clock I would."
Elaine was originally charged with murder but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of culpable homicide.
The judge, Lord Abernethy, said it was a "very sad" case.
He put her on probation because of the "exceptional" circumstances.
Elaine broke down in tears when she realised she was going free but Hughes' relatives shouted: "Where's the justice?"
His sister, Rebecca Maver, 35, of Broxburn, said: "There's no way she should get away with it. She took my brother's life and should be jailed for life.
"Don't ask me to forgive her - I'll never forgive her. I hate her."

**

I CHASED WEE GIRLS AND CUT OFF THEIR HAIR

HeadLine: I CHASED WEE GIRLS AND CUT OFF THEIR HAIR

Daily Record, 14/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Serial killer Archie "Mad Dog" McCafferty was a sicko timebomb waiting to go off - at less than 10 YEARS OLD.
McCafferty, 49, last night admitted warped attacks on young girls as he roamed Glasgow as a child with his dog.
He said: "I used to do some weird s**t, you know.
"I used to get my dog to jump on little girls and I would cut their hair off and pigtails and ponytails.
"Then I would run home and put them in my case."
Mad Dog went on to tell of his:
* FIVE-DAY killing spree.
* BIZARRE obsession with the number seven.
* AND brutal time as a jail hardman.
McCafferty also claimed he was a changed man - and his ex-wife even said he had taught her right from wrong.
The killer was speaking publicly for the first time since finishing a 24-year jail term in Australia.
McCafferty, deported back to Scotland after his release, emigrated Down Under with his family from Glasgow aged 10.
He told Australian TV last night: "One of the reasons we went overseas was because I had got into trouble and caused my parents a problem.
"My father was a man who drove me to crime in my days of youth.
"He used to beat me with a fireman's belt with a big silver buckle and he would lock me in the coal bin."
Once in Australia, McCafferty became a drug addict. After the death of his son, Craig, he led a gang of "thrill killers".
In 1973 in Sydney, they murdered three strangers at random - George Anderson, Ronald Cox and Evangelos Kollias.
Mad Dog believed at the time that his dead son spoke to him.
He added: "His words filled my head - `Kill seven, kill seven, kill seven'.
"George Anderson was walking along the street. I went over to him and grabbed him by the collar and he said, `F**k off'.
"Those words sparked a madness deep inside me.
"All of a sudden, the man was lying on the footpath and in my hand I was holding a flick- knife covered in blood.
"I ended up stabbing him seven times." Ronald Cox was murdered just yards from where he was to be buried, itself near the grave of McCafferty's son.
Mad Dog said: "I remember when Ronald Cox came to the grave and I had just had a conversation with my dead son.
"Cox said, `Don't kill me, I have seven children'. I believed that for Cox to die, my son would come back that time because of the number seven."
McCafferty added: "The number was totally important to me. It ruled my life.
"If I combed my hair, I would count seven times. If I struck a match, I would count to seven. If I scratched my leg, I would count to seven."
After being jailed, McCafferty helped lead a brutal prison gang dubbed the Star Chamber by convicts - and the Death Squad by prison officers.
He said: "If there was a stabbing or an iron barring or a talking to or a murder or a drug deal needing done in the prison, we would sanction it." Inside, he also killed a fellow inmate and got another 12 years in 1985.
But Mad Dog said last night that love has softened him. He and ex-wife Amanda Queen, 30, plan to remarry.
She revealed: "When it came to the crunch of Archie getting deported, I jumped on a plane to help him. He's taught me a lot. He's taught me right from wrong."
Last night's programme followed McCafferty's return to Scotland.
Producers paid for him and Queen to stay at the plush Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomondside.
But locals in Glasgow's Sighthill threatened to kill Mad Dog if he appeared.
In an apparent bid to escape publicity, he moved to Edinburgh last week and was interviewed by the Oz TV crew at a secret address.
McCafferty has also been seen with Hugh Collins, the killer turned sculptor. Mad Dog, whose mother still lives in Australia, has changed his appearance in Scotland.
The documentary showed him having his beard shaved off.
He has also hired a lawyer and is looking for a publisher for his life story, Shall Seven Die, with a logo dripping in blood.
It opens: "This book is written with sincere apologies to all the family members that lost loved ones."
And the book ends: "Don't damn well feel sorry for me because I don't deserve it."
McCafferty added last night: "I like to think of myself as someone who has gone through a hard system and come out of it at the other end a good person.
"The risk has been taken. The parole board has released me.
"But I want to live a normal life. I want to do a normal day's work because I have never had that normality before."
* WEIRDO McCafferty was yesterday accused of dodging out of a guest house without paying his bill.
The killer has already been kicked out of one Edinburgh bed and breakfast after the boss recognised him.
Last night, Anne Thomson, 48, landlady of the Anvilla Guesthouse in Granville Terrace, in the city, said the killer sneaked away without paying his £36 bill.
Anne said he spent several hours with Amanda in a double room.
She added: "I was quite annoyed about the whole thing. I rushed around to get a room ready for them and then they sneaked off without paying."

**

My Rolex got nicked and it's only on tick!

HeadLine: My Rolex got nicked and it's only on tick!

Daily Record, 15/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Footballer John Davies faces a huge cash penalty after leaving a valuable Rolex watch in his car.
The £10,500 timepiece was nicked - and the Airdrie star had it on approval from a jeweller.
John's best pal, pop star John Reid of the Nightcrawlers, was planning to buy it in a discount deal.
But now the Diamonds' midfielder may have to stump up for the watch himself.
Father-of-two John faces a nerve-jangling league play-off clash with Hibs on Saturday.
And it's the second time jinxed John has been hit by thieves in the run- up to a crunch match.
Days before Airdrie's 1995 Scottish Cup final against Celtic, his car was broken into.
His prized £1000 golf clubs, a gift from Scotland player John Spencer, were swiped.
The clubs of teammates Jim McIntyre and Steve Cooper vanished, too.
And John was left with a £810 repair bill to fix his car.
Last night John, 30, who lives in Paisley, said: "I'm just hoping the insurance pays up.
"If they don't then I'll just have to sit down and talk to the shop about it.
"I don't know what I'll do, maybe pay them some money for it every month.
"I don't need this hassle before such a big game and I don't want to put all this on the boys. It's a massive game on Saturday."
He got the designer watch from Strang the Jewellers at the Cameron House Hotel in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire.
He locked it in his Mercedes in the hotel car park.
John said: "A boy who works for Strang's gives people a good discount. That is why we go there.
"I left it in the car for about 15 minutes and it was gone.
"They smashed my side window. Whoever did it probably doesn't even realise what they've got."
A supervisor at jewellers Strang refused to discuss the incident, but said: "The guy was very upset."
Detective Constable John O'Donnell said: "He's worried it could damage the club's reputation."

**

Tragic mum in Legal Aid heartbreak

HeadLine: Tragic mum in Legal Aid heartbreak

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

A grieving mum whose son died in her arms after being electrocuted has been refused Legal Aid for a death probe.
Liz Stuart has been told no cash is available to help her find out why Stephen Masson, 10, died in the 25,000-volt blast.
It comes as a double blow to Stephen's family after his dad, George Masson, was last week also denied Legal Aid to send a lawyer to the probe.
Stephen was electrocuted when a scaffolding pole he was holding clipped a powerline at Corkerhill Station in Glasgow last October.
His parents separated eight years ago but are united in their search for the truth.
Last night Liz, 35, of Govan, Glasgow, said: "I want to know what the hell is going on. How can they knock us back? I want to know why my son died."
Stephen suffered 90 per cent burns in the tragedy and died in hospital five days later.
Liz sobbed: "He just deteriorated in front of me and died in my arms."
She also revealed three of her other sons had been protesting at the station about the Legal Aid decision.
At the time of the tragedy, rail bosses were criticised for not repairing a fence.
Railtrack said they could not comment until after the fatal accident inquiry.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board also said they could not comment.
The fatal accident inquiry, due to be held a fortnight ago, was adjourned until July to allow for appeals against the legal aid decision.

**

They won't give me cash to probe son's fireball death

HeadLine: They won't give me cash to probe son's fireball death

Daily Record, 08/05/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A heartbroken dad who saw his son die after being electrocuted has been refused Legal Aid for the death probe.
Stephen Masson, 10, was turned into a human fireball when a scaffolding pole he was holding clipped a power line.
Yesterday, a fatal accident inquiry was adjourned when it was revealed George Masson's application to get Legal Aid for a lawyer at the probe was turned down.
Last night, George, 52, said: "I've not got the money to take on the fat cats. I don't know why they won't give me Legal Aid. Nobody will tell me."
He sobbed as he recounted the "nightmare" of seeing Stephen's last moments but vowed not to let somebody else's child die in the same way.
Stephen died from a 25,000-volt blast after crawling through a hole in a fence at Corkerhill Station, Glasgow, last October.
George, of Corkerhill Road, Glasgow, said: "It still haunts me. One of his pals came screaming `George, George, Stephen's on fire.
"I still don't know how I got over the fence but I just knew I had to.
"There was a neighbour there trying to put out the flames with her coat and we rolled him over and over.
"He was shouting `mum, mum' and all I could do was cover him up because all his clothes were burned off.
"There was nothing I could do. I've put in for a house transfer because everytime I look out I see where it happened. Even when I wake up at funny hours, there's a big light shines on the exact spot."
Stephen died in Yorkhill Hospital five days after the massive electric surge caused 90 per cent burns.
At the time, ScotRail were criticised for not repairing the boundary fence despite claims they had been warned for 12 years.
But George's hopes of finding out who was really to blame were shattered at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday. Sheriff Craig Henry adjourned the inquiry until July to give George a chance to appeal against the Legal Aid decision.
George added: "I go to the cemetery two or three times a week and talk to his grave. What else can I do?
"It could happen again. They fixed it for a while with string but that's not enough.
"Something has got to be done before someone else's child dies."
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board said they couldn't comment.
Railtrack, who took over ScotRail stations, said they could not comment until after the inquiry.

**

Claymore wielding nut holds cops at bay for 5 hours

HeadLine: Claymore wielding nut holds cops at bay for 5 hours

Daily Record, 08/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A nutty tartan-clad Scot armed with two swords threatened police in Australia for over five hours yesterday.
Bruce Duncan, 30, was shouting in Gaelic and complaining about the SNP's election showing.
Calling himself "The Last Highlander" the ex-pat swung a claymore and samurai sword inches from the faces of police negotiators.
Duncan, who'd had a row with his ex-girlfriend, even taunted police marksmen to kill him as he marched along a Melbourne street.
A police spokesman said: "We're not sure if he thought he was in the Highlander film or Braveheart."
Officers sealed off the area after passers-by spotted knives strapped to Duncan's body.
The Scot was believed to have moved Down Under two years ago to live with his Australian- born girlfriend, then split up with her.
Police said the pair had been arguing before the drama, during which Duncan raved that the general election had been rigged.
Senior PC Wayne Wilson added: "He was also shouting in Gaelic about something.
"At one point he was threatening to do away with himself then changed his mind and tried to get us to do the job for him."
A police dog eventually sneaked up behind Duncan and grabbed him by the leg, allowing officers to move in.
Police spokesman Wilson added: "We sent him for a psychological assessment."
Foreign Office officials said they would interview Duncan after the Record alerted them.
He was charged with two counts of threatening to kill and is due in court next month.

**

HORROR AT 100ft

HeadLine: HORROR AT 100ft

Daily Record, 01/05/1997, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE 

Horror came to the centre of Edinburgh yesterday when a young man threw himself from a bridge and fell 100 feet.
Witnesses burst into tears after the man hurled his pet Jack Russell terrier over the edge, then leapt after it.
The man fell on to the roof of Waverley Station's ticket office, almost crashing through the station's glass canopy.
He was "very seriously ill" in hospital last night after the suicide bid.
A vet fought to save the dog, but it died of its injuries.
The man, understood to be homeless, climbed on to the city's North Bridge just after noon.
He sat smoking, and swinging his legs over the edge, while police brought in members of his family to try to talk him down. But he refused to talk to negotiators.
The area was sealed to all traffic except buses, and the Waverley ticket office was cleared of customers.
The man jumped at about 3.15pm.
Eyewitness Graham Penman, 27, said: "It was horrible. He just stood up, grabbed the dog and threw it down.
"Then he stood on the edge, swayed from side to side, and just jumped.
"He somersaulted two or three times before he disappeared."
An ambulance service spokesman said: "He landed in a guttering area after hitting some pipes.
"It was quite difficult to get to him. He had severe head injuries and was suffering from multiple trauma."
The man was treated by paramedics at the scene, then rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary under police escort.

**

Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

HeadLine: Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

Daily Record, 28/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A group of mums told yesterday how alcopops had made their lives hell.
One revealed how her 13-year-old daughter was taken to hospital after bingeing on the trendy brew.
Another spoke of seeing a teenage girl stripped naked by boys because she was so drunk.
They were part of a group of parents who gathered yesterday and demanded action to ban all alcopops.
They want the drinks taken off the shelves and are backing the Record's campaign against them.
One mum, who gave her name only as Eileen, said she was devastated after finding her daughter on her knees because she was so drunk.
She told the meeting at Edinburgh's Muirhouse Festival Arts Centre: "I just found her lying at my front door and took her to hospital.
"She'd banged her head and was violent, kicking the nurses."
Linda Gilchrist, 41, said: "I had to call the police just the other night. There was a girl, I would say she was only about 13, completely out of it.
"She was stripped naked by four boys, only about 15 years old, and could do nothing about it. I don't know what happened to her after."
Helen Leadbetter, 32, from Muirhouse Place East, said: "They just sit drinking boxes of the stuff and get out of their face.
"We can't even let the bairns stay out any more because they've started threatening them with broken bottles.
"The alcopops should be banned. It's the shopkeepers and the way the bottles are made to look that I blame. It's just terrible."
Labour Euro MP David Martin who was at the meeting said he would push for alcopops to be taxed the same as whisky to make them too expensive for youngsters to buy.

**

OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

HeadLine: OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

Daily Record, 26/04/1997, p5 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A couple say their street is a death trap after a THIRD car crashed into their house.
Jack and Myra Sneddon were in their garden - just minutes before a car ploughed through their fence.
Last night, Myra, 59, of Bo'ness, West Lothian, said: "I'm scared stiff. We're sick of it."
Two years ago, Jack, 62, escaped injury when a car smashed through their bedroom wall. The year before, a car hit the same wall and caused exterior damage.
Myra added: "This can't go on. Council officials are coming to see me.
"I want them to have speed restrictions and a barrier put up."
A Falkirk Council spokeswoman said: "It's a tremendous run of bad luck but there appears to be no common thread."

**

SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

HeadLine: SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

Daily Record, 24/04/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A top Scots climber has died trying to fulfil his dream of conquering Mount Everest.
Mal Duff, 43, was found dead in his bed by friends at their Himalayan base camp yesterday.
He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Devastated wife Liz, 40 - also a keen climber - was being comforted by her family at her home in Culross, Fife. She plans to fly out to Nepal to bring her husband's body home.
She said: "I'm finding it hard to accept. He was such a strong guy."
And she vowed: "I'll never climb again. There is no-one else I would want to climb with."
Mal, who had made several unsuccessful attempts at Everest, was the guide in a seven-man expedition organised by his Fife-based Team Ascent company.
The team had all but finished their preparations and were due to start the climb within days.
Friend Hamish MacInnes, founder member of Glencoe Mountain Rescue, said Mal's death was a "great loss to Scottish mountaineering".

**

SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

HeadLine: SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p1 
by NICK BRITTEN AND SHAUN MILNE

A boy of 12 was crushed to death under the wheels of his school bus yesterday.
The first-year youngster got out of class late and chased the double- decker across the school car park.
He was trying to catch the driver's attention when he stumbled and fell under the front wheels.
The bus was packed with children who screamed in horror as they saw the accident.
Mercy crews found the bus still in the school grounds, with its front wheels on top of the boy.
They tried to revive him, but it's thought he died instantly.
The accident happened at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, West Lothian, yesterday afternoon.
The bus belongs to Lothian Regional Transport, and was contracted out to the local council to carry schoolkids.
Peter Burden, LRT operations manager, said: "We are all very sad. It's such a horrible thing.
"It's far too early to say what happened. The matter is under investigation."
West Lothian Council's education chairman Ross Martin said: "It is most distressing to hear of such a sad incident in the grounds of one of our schools.
"On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the boy's family.
"We will be carrying out a full investigation."
Police investigators were examining the bus last night, hoping to find clues.
It is the latest in a series of horrific accidents involving school buses.
In August last year Craig Brown, 12, was crushed under both sets of wheels of a bus in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire while returning home from school.
Seven months earlier Michael Grady,14, was killed by a school bus on his way to classes in Kent.
And in 1993, Christopher Wilson, 12, of Drongan, Ayrshire, died under the wheels of a school bus at Auchinleck Academy.

**

John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

HeadLine: John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p15
by SHAUN MILNE AND BILLY ADAMS

A man cheated death yesterday when his home was blown apart by a gas explosion as he cooked his breakfast.
The blast caved in walls and shattered windows and could be heard several miles away.
A major disaster was only avoided because the rush-hour had just died down in the area of Edinburgh.
The blast is thought to have been caused by a gas build-up in John Fleming's kitchen.
John, 29, was cooking breakfast in his second-floor tenement flat in Wardlaw Street, Edinburgh, when the explosion happened just after 9am.
Debris shattered flat windows and car windscreens up to 50 yards away.
Patrick Kerrigan, 62, who lives in a flat opposite, said: "I heard a big bang and next thing I knew I was covered in glass. It was terrifying. I thought a bomb had gone off."
Scores of people were evacuated to a nearby day centre, some badly shaken and wearing only nightclothes.
John was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as "stable" last night.
An ambulance spokesman said it was a miracle only one person had been hurt. He added: "It's lucky the rush hour was over and people weren't walking in what is normally a busy street.
Police said the explosion seemed to have come from John's cooker but investigations were continuing.
* TWO people died in an horrific gas blast in Edinburgh's Guthrie Street in October 1989.

**

Rev's out to rock the world

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: I CHASED WEE GIRLS AND CUT OFF THEIR HAIR

Daily Record, 14/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Serial killer Archie "Mad Dog" McCafferty was a sicko timebomb waiting to go off - at less than 10 YEARS OLD.
McCafferty, 49, last night admitted warped attacks on young girls as he roamed Glasgow as a child with his dog.
He said: "I used to do some weird s**t, you know.
"I used to get my dog to jump on little girls and I would cut their hair off and pigtails and ponytails.
"Then I would run home and put them in my case."
Mad Dog went on to tell of his:
* FIVE-DAY killing spree.
* BIZARRE obsession with the number seven.
* AND brutal time as a jail hardman.
McCafferty also claimed he was a changed man - and his ex-wife even said he had taught her right from wrong.
The killer was speaking publicly for the first time since finishing a 24-year jail term in Australia.
McCafferty, deported back to Scotland after his release, emigrated Down Under with his family from Glasgow aged 10.
He told Australian TV last night: "One of the reasons we went overseas was because I had got into trouble and caused my parents a problem.
"My father was a man who drove me to crime in my days of youth.
"He used to beat me with a fireman's belt with a big silver buckle and he would lock me in the coal bin."
Once in Australia, McCafferty became a drug addict. After the death of his son, Craig, he led a gang of "thrill killers".
In 1973 in Sydney, they murdered three strangers at random - George Anderson, Ronald Cox and Evangelos Kollias.
Mad Dog believed at the time that his dead son spoke to him.
He added: "His words filled my head - `Kill seven, kill seven, kill seven'.
"George Anderson was walking along the street. I went over to him and grabbed him by the collar and he said, `F**k off'.
"Those words sparked a madness deep inside me.
"All of a sudden, the man was lying on the footpath and in my hand I was holding a flick- knife covered in blood.
"I ended up stabbing him seven times." Ronald Cox was murdered just yards from where he was to be buried, itself near the grave of McCafferty's son.
Mad Dog said: "I remember when Ronald Cox came to the grave and I had just had a conversation with my dead son.
"Cox said, `Don't kill me, I have seven children'. I believed that for Cox to die, my son would come back that time because of the number seven."
McCafferty added: "The number was totally important to me. It ruled my life.
"If I combed my hair, I would count seven times. If I struck a match, I would count to seven. If I scratched my leg, I would count to seven."
After being jailed, McCafferty helped lead a brutal prison gang dubbed the Star Chamber by convicts - and the Death Squad by prison officers.
He said: "If there was a stabbing or an iron barring or a talking to or a murder or a drug deal needing done in the prison, we would sanction it." Inside, he also killed a fellow inmate and got another 12 years in 1985.
But Mad Dog said last night that love has softened him. He and ex-wife Amanda Queen, 30, plan to remarry.
She revealed: "When it came to the crunch of Archie getting deported, I jumped on a plane to help him. He's taught me a lot. He's taught me right from wrong."
Last night's programme followed McCafferty's return to Scotland.
Producers paid for him and Queen to stay at the plush Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomondside.
But locals in Glasgow's Sighthill threatened to kill Mad Dog if he appeared.
In an apparent bid to escape publicity, he moved to Edinburgh last week and was interviewed by the Oz TV crew at a secret address.
McCafferty has also been seen with Hugh Collins, the killer turned sculptor. Mad Dog, whose mother still lives in Australia, has changed his appearance in Scotland.
The documentary showed him having his beard shaved off.
He has also hired a lawyer and is looking for a publisher for his life story, Shall Seven Die, with a logo dripping in blood.
It opens: "This book is written with sincere apologies to all the family members that lost loved ones."
And the book ends: "Don't damn well feel sorry for me because I don't deserve it."
McCafferty added last night: "I like to think of myself as someone who has gone through a hard system and come out of it at the other end a good person.
"The risk has been taken. The parole board has released me.
"But I want to live a normal life. I want to do a normal day's work because I have never had that normality before."
* WEIRDO McCafferty was yesterday accused of dodging out of a guest house without paying his bill.
The killer has already been kicked out of one Edinburgh bed and breakfast after the boss recognised him.
Last night, Anne Thomson, 48, landlady of the Anvilla Guesthouse in Granville Terrace, in the city, said the killer sneaked away without paying his £36 bill.
Anne said he spent several hours with Amanda in a double room.
She added: "I was quite annoyed about the whole thing. I rushed around to get a room ready for them and then they sneaked off without paying."

**

HeadLine: My Rolex got nicked and it's only on tick!

Daily Record, 15/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Footballer John Davies faces a huge cash penalty after leaving a valuable Rolex watch in his car.
The £10,500 timepiece was nicked - and the Airdrie star had it on approval from a jeweller.
John's best pal, pop star John Reid of the Nightcrawlers, was planning to buy it in a discount deal.
But now the Diamonds' midfielder may have to stump up for the watch himself.
Father-of-two John faces a nerve-jangling league play-off clash with Hibs on Saturday.
And it's the second time jinxed John has been hit by thieves in the run- up to a crunch match.
Days before Airdrie's 1995 Scottish Cup final against Celtic, his car was broken into.
His prized £1000 golf clubs, a gift from Scotland player John Spencer, were swiped.
The clubs of teammates Jim McIntyre and Steve Cooper vanished, too.
And John was left with a £810 repair bill to fix his car.
Last night John, 30, who lives in Paisley, said: "I'm just hoping the insurance pays up.
"If they don't then I'll just have to sit down and talk to the shop about it.
"I don't know what I'll do, maybe pay them some money for it every month.
"I don't need this hassle before such a big game and I don't want to put all this on the boys. It's a massive game on Saturday."
He got the designer watch from Strang the Jewellers at the Cameron House Hotel in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire.
He locked it in his Mercedes in the hotel car park.
John said: "A boy who works for Strang's gives people a good discount. That is why we go there.
"I left it in the car for about 15 minutes and it was gone.
"They smashed my side window. Whoever did it probably doesn't even realise what they've got."
A supervisor at jewellers Strang refused to discuss the incident, but said: "The guy was very upset."
Detective Constable John O'Donnell said: "He's worried it could damage the club's reputation."

**

Tragic mum in Legal Aid heartbreak

HeadLine: Tragic mum in Legal Aid heartbreak

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

A grieving mum whose son died in her arms after being electrocuted has been refused Legal Aid for a death probe.
Liz Stuart has been told no cash is available to help her find out why Stephen Masson, 10, died in the 25,000-volt blast.
It comes as a double blow to Stephen's family after his dad, George Masson, was last week also denied Legal Aid to send a lawyer to the probe.
Stephen was electrocuted when a scaffolding pole he was holding clipped a powerline at Corkerhill Station in Glasgow last October.
His parents separated eight years ago but are united in their search for the truth.
Last night Liz, 35, of Govan, Glasgow, said: "I want to know what the hell is going on. How can they knock us back? I want to know why my son died."
Stephen suffered 90 per cent burns in the tragedy and died in hospital five days later.
Liz sobbed: "He just deteriorated in front of me and died in my arms."
She also revealed three of her other sons had been protesting at the station about the Legal Aid decision.
At the time of the tragedy, rail bosses were criticised for not repairing a fence.
Railtrack said they could not comment until after the fatal accident inquiry.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board also said they could not comment.
The fatal accident inquiry, due to be held a fortnight ago, was adjourned until July to allow for appeals against the legal aid decision.

**

They won't give me cash to probe son's fireball death

HeadLine: They won't give me cash to probe son's fireball death

Daily Record, 08/05/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A heartbroken dad who saw his son die after being electrocuted has been refused Legal Aid for the death probe.
Stephen Masson, 10, was turned into a human fireball when a scaffolding pole he was holding clipped a power line.
Yesterday, a fatal accident inquiry was adjourned when it was revealed George Masson's application to get Legal Aid for a lawyer at the probe was turned down.
Last night, George, 52, said: "I've not got the money to take on the fat cats. I don't know why they won't give me Legal Aid. Nobody will tell me."
He sobbed as he recounted the "nightmare" of seeing Stephen's last moments but vowed not to let somebody else's child die in the same way.
Stephen died from a 25,000-volt blast after crawling through a hole in a fence at Corkerhill Station, Glasgow, last October.
George, of Corkerhill Road, Glasgow, said: "It still haunts me. One of his pals came screaming `George, George, Stephen's on fire.
"I still don't know how I got over the fence but I just knew I had to.
"There was a neighbour there trying to put out the flames with her coat and we rolled him over and over.
"He was shouting `mum, mum' and all I could do was cover him up because all his clothes were burned off.
"There was nothing I could do. I've put in for a house transfer because everytime I look out I see where it happened. Even when I wake up at funny hours, there's a big light shines on the exact spot."
Stephen died in Yorkhill Hospital five days after the massive electric surge caused 90 per cent burns.
At the time, ScotRail were criticised for not repairing the boundary fence despite claims they had been warned for 12 years.
But George's hopes of finding out who was really to blame were shattered at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday. Sheriff Craig Henry adjourned the inquiry until July to give George a chance to appeal against the Legal Aid decision.
George added: "I go to the cemetery two or three times a week and talk to his grave. What else can I do?
"It could happen again. They fixed it for a while with string but that's not enough.
"Something has got to be done before someone else's child dies."
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board said they couldn't comment.
Railtrack, who took over ScotRail stations, said they could not comment until after the inquiry.

**

Claymore wielding nut holds cops at bay for 5 hours

HeadLine: Claymore wielding nut holds cops at bay for 5 hours

Daily Record, 08/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A nutty tartan-clad Scot armed with two swords threatened police in Australia for over five hours yesterday.
Bruce Duncan, 30, was shouting in Gaelic and complaining about the SNP's election showing.
Calling himself "The Last Highlander" the ex-pat swung a claymore and samurai sword inches from the faces of police negotiators.
Duncan, who'd had a row with his ex-girlfriend, even taunted police marksmen to kill him as he marched along a Melbourne street.
A police spokesman said: "We're not sure if he thought he was in the Highlander film or Braveheart."
Officers sealed off the area after passers-by spotted knives strapped to Duncan's body.
The Scot was believed to have moved Down Under two years ago to live with his Australian- born girlfriend, then split up with her.
Police said the pair had been arguing before the drama, during which Duncan raved that the general election had been rigged.
Senior PC Wayne Wilson added: "He was also shouting in Gaelic about something.
"At one point he was threatening to do away with himself then changed his mind and tried to get us to do the job for him."
A police dog eventually sneaked up behind Duncan and grabbed him by the leg, allowing officers to move in.
Police spokesman Wilson added: "We sent him for a psychological assessment."
Foreign Office officials said they would interview Duncan after the Record alerted them.
He was charged with two counts of threatening to kill and is due in court next month.

**

HORROR AT 100ft

HeadLine: HORROR AT 100ft

Daily Record, 01/05/1997, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE 

Horror came to the centre of Edinburgh yesterday when a young man threw himself from a bridge and fell 100 feet.
Witnesses burst into tears after the man hurled his pet Jack Russell terrier over the edge, then leapt after it.
The man fell on to the roof of Waverley Station's ticket office, almost crashing through the station's glass canopy.
He was "very seriously ill" in hospital last night after the suicide bid.
A vet fought to save the dog, but it died of its injuries.
The man, understood to be homeless, climbed on to the city's North Bridge just after noon.
He sat smoking, and swinging his legs over the edge, while police brought in members of his family to try to talk him down. But he refused to talk to negotiators.
The area was sealed to all traffic except buses, and the Waverley ticket office was cleared of customers.
The man jumped at about 3.15pm.
Eyewitness Graham Penman, 27, said: "It was horrible. He just stood up, grabbed the dog and threw it down.
"Then he stood on the edge, swayed from side to side, and just jumped.
"He somersaulted two or three times before he disappeared."
An ambulance service spokesman said: "He landed in a guttering area after hitting some pipes.
"It was quite difficult to get to him. He had severe head injuries and was suffering from multiple trauma."
The man was treated by paramedics at the scene, then rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary under police escort.

**

Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

HeadLine: Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

Daily Record, 28/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A group of mums told yesterday how alcopops had made their lives hell.
One revealed how her 13-year-old daughter was taken to hospital after bingeing on the trendy brew.
Another spoke of seeing a teenage girl stripped naked by boys because she was so drunk.
They were part of a group of parents who gathered yesterday and demanded action to ban all alcopops.
They want the drinks taken off the shelves and are backing the Record's campaign against them.
One mum, who gave her name only as Eileen, said she was devastated after finding her daughter on her knees because she was so drunk.
She told the meeting at Edinburgh's Muirhouse Festival Arts Centre: "I just found her lying at my front door and took her to hospital.
"She'd banged her head and was violent, kicking the nurses."
Linda Gilchrist, 41, said: "I had to call the police just the other night. There was a girl, I would say she was only about 13, completely out of it.
"She was stripped naked by four boys, only about 15 years old, and could do nothing about it. I don't know what happened to her after."
Helen Leadbetter, 32, from Muirhouse Place East, said: "They just sit drinking boxes of the stuff and get out of their face.
"We can't even let the bairns stay out any more because they've started threatening them with broken bottles.
"The alcopops should be banned. It's the shopkeepers and the way the bottles are made to look that I blame. It's just terrible."
Labour Euro MP David Martin who was at the meeting said he would push for alcopops to be taxed the same as whisky to make them too expensive for youngsters to buy.

**

OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

HeadLine: OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

Daily Record, 26/04/1997, p5 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A couple say their street is a death trap after a THIRD car crashed into their house.
Jack and Myra Sneddon were in their garden - just minutes before a car ploughed through their fence.
Last night, Myra, 59, of Bo'ness, West Lothian, said: "I'm scared stiff. We're sick of it."
Two years ago, Jack, 62, escaped injury when a car smashed through their bedroom wall. The year before, a car hit the same wall and caused exterior damage.
Myra added: "This can't go on. Council officials are coming to see me.
"I want them to have speed restrictions and a barrier put up."
A Falkirk Council spokeswoman said: "It's a tremendous run of bad luck but there appears to be no common thread."

**

SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

HeadLine: SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

Daily Record, 24/04/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A top Scots climber has died trying to fulfil his dream of conquering Mount Everest.
Mal Duff, 43, was found dead in his bed by friends at their Himalayan base camp yesterday.
He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Devastated wife Liz, 40 - also a keen climber - was being comforted by her family at her home in Culross, Fife. She plans to fly out to Nepal to bring her husband's body home.
She said: "I'm finding it hard to accept. He was such a strong guy."
And she vowed: "I'll never climb again. There is no-one else I would want to climb with."
Mal, who had made several unsuccessful attempts at Everest, was the guide in a seven-man expedition organised by his Fife-based Team Ascent company.
The team had all but finished their preparations and were due to start the climb within days.
Friend Hamish MacInnes, founder member of Glencoe Mountain Rescue, said Mal's death was a "great loss to Scottish mountaineering".

**

SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

HeadLine: SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p1 
by NICK BRITTEN AND SHAUN MILNE

A boy of 12 was crushed to death under the wheels of his school bus yesterday.
The first-year youngster got out of class late and chased the double- decker across the school car park.
He was trying to catch the driver's attention when he stumbled and fell under the front wheels.
The bus was packed with children who screamed in horror as they saw the accident.
Mercy crews found the bus still in the school grounds, with its front wheels on top of the boy.
They tried to revive him, but it's thought he died instantly.
The accident happened at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, West Lothian, yesterday afternoon.
The bus belongs to Lothian Regional Transport, and was contracted out to the local council to carry schoolkids.
Peter Burden, LRT operations manager, said: "We are all very sad. It's such a horrible thing.
"It's far too early to say what happened. The matter is under investigation."
West Lothian Council's education chairman Ross Martin said: "It is most distressing to hear of such a sad incident in the grounds of one of our schools.
"On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the boy's family.
"We will be carrying out a full investigation."
Police investigators were examining the bus last night, hoping to find clues.
It is the latest in a series of horrific accidents involving school buses.
In August last year Craig Brown, 12, was crushed under both sets of wheels of a bus in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire while returning home from school.
Seven months earlier Michael Grady,14, was killed by a school bus on his way to classes in Kent.
And in 1993, Christopher Wilson, 12, of Drongan, Ayrshire, died under the wheels of a school bus at Auchinleck Academy.

**

John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

HeadLine: John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p15
by SHAUN MILNE AND BILLY ADAMS

A man cheated death yesterday when his home was blown apart by a gas explosion as he cooked his breakfast.
The blast caved in walls and shattered windows and could be heard several miles away.
A major disaster was only avoided because the rush-hour had just died down in the area of Edinburgh.
The blast is thought to have been caused by a gas build-up in John Fleming's kitchen.
John, 29, was cooking breakfast in his second-floor tenement flat in Wardlaw Street, Edinburgh, when the explosion happened just after 9am.
Debris shattered flat windows and car windscreens up to 50 yards away.
Patrick Kerrigan, 62, who lives in a flat opposite, said: "I heard a big bang and next thing I knew I was covered in glass. It was terrifying. I thought a bomb had gone off."
Scores of people were evacuated to a nearby day centre, some badly shaken and wearing only nightclothes.
John was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as "stable" last night.
An ambulance spokesman said it was a miracle only one person had been hurt. He added: "It's lucky the rush hour was over and people weren't walking in what is normally a busy street.
Police said the explosion seemed to have come from John's cooker but investigations were continuing.
* TWO people died in an horrific gas blast in Edinburgh's Guthrie Street in October 1989.

**

Rev's out to rock the world

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Tragic mum in Legal Aid heartbreak

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

A grieving mum whose son died in her arms after being electrocuted has been refused Legal Aid for a death probe.
Liz Stuart has been told no cash is available to help her find out why Stephen Masson, 10, died in the 25,000-volt blast.
It comes as a double blow to Stephen's family after his dad, George Masson, was last week also denied Legal Aid to send a lawyer to the probe.
Stephen was electrocuted when a scaffolding pole he was holding clipped a powerline at Corkerhill Station in Glasgow last October.
His parents separated eight years ago but are united in their search for the truth.
Last night Liz, 35, of Govan, Glasgow, said: "I want to know what the hell is going on. How can they knock us back? I want to know why my son died."
Stephen suffered 90 per cent burns in the tragedy and died in hospital five days later.
Liz sobbed: "He just deteriorated in front of me and died in my arms."
She also revealed three of her other sons had been protesting at the station about the Legal Aid decision.
At the time of the tragedy, rail bosses were criticised for not repairing a fence.
Railtrack said they could not comment until after the fatal accident inquiry.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board also said they could not comment.
The fatal accident inquiry, due to be held a fortnight ago, was adjourned until July to allow for appeals against the legal aid decision.

**

They won't give me cash to probe son's fireball death

HeadLine: They won't give me cash to probe son's fireball death

Daily Record, 08/05/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A heartbroken dad who saw his son die after being electrocuted has been refused Legal Aid for the death probe.
Stephen Masson, 10, was turned into a human fireball when a scaffolding pole he was holding clipped a power line.
Yesterday, a fatal accident inquiry was adjourned when it was revealed George Masson's application to get Legal Aid for a lawyer at the probe was turned down.
Last night, George, 52, said: "I've not got the money to take on the fat cats. I don't know why they won't give me Legal Aid. Nobody will tell me."
He sobbed as he recounted the "nightmare" of seeing Stephen's last moments but vowed not to let somebody else's child die in the same way.
Stephen died from a 25,000-volt blast after crawling through a hole in a fence at Corkerhill Station, Glasgow, last October.
George, of Corkerhill Road, Glasgow, said: "It still haunts me. One of his pals came screaming `George, George, Stephen's on fire.
"I still don't know how I got over the fence but I just knew I had to.
"There was a neighbour there trying to put out the flames with her coat and we rolled him over and over.
"He was shouting `mum, mum' and all I could do was cover him up because all his clothes were burned off.
"There was nothing I could do. I've put in for a house transfer because everytime I look out I see where it happened. Even when I wake up at funny hours, there's a big light shines on the exact spot."
Stephen died in Yorkhill Hospital five days after the massive electric surge caused 90 per cent burns.
At the time, ScotRail were criticised for not repairing the boundary fence despite claims they had been warned for 12 years.
But George's hopes of finding out who was really to blame were shattered at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday. Sheriff Craig Henry adjourned the inquiry until July to give George a chance to appeal against the Legal Aid decision.
George added: "I go to the cemetery two or three times a week and talk to his grave. What else can I do?
"It could happen again. They fixed it for a while with string but that's not enough.
"Something has got to be done before someone else's child dies."
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board said they couldn't comment.
Railtrack, who took over ScotRail stations, said they could not comment until after the inquiry.

**

Claymore wielding nut holds cops at bay for 5 hours

HeadLine: Claymore wielding nut holds cops at bay for 5 hours

Daily Record, 08/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A nutty tartan-clad Scot armed with two swords threatened police in Australia for over five hours yesterday.
Bruce Duncan, 30, was shouting in Gaelic and complaining about the SNP's election showing.
Calling himself "The Last Highlander" the ex-pat swung a claymore and samurai sword inches from the faces of police negotiators.
Duncan, who'd had a row with his ex-girlfriend, even taunted police marksmen to kill him as he marched along a Melbourne street.
A police spokesman said: "We're not sure if he thought he was in the Highlander film or Braveheart."
Officers sealed off the area after passers-by spotted knives strapped to Duncan's body.
The Scot was believed to have moved Down Under two years ago to live with his Australian- born girlfriend, then split up with her.
Police said the pair had been arguing before the drama, during which Duncan raved that the general election had been rigged.
Senior PC Wayne Wilson added: "He was also shouting in Gaelic about something.
"At one point he was threatening to do away with himself then changed his mind and tried to get us to do the job for him."
A police dog eventually sneaked up behind Duncan and grabbed him by the leg, allowing officers to move in.
Police spokesman Wilson added: "We sent him for a psychological assessment."
Foreign Office officials said they would interview Duncan after the Record alerted them.
He was charged with two counts of threatening to kill and is due in court next month.

**

HORROR AT 100ft

HeadLine: HORROR AT 100ft

Daily Record, 01/05/1997, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE 

Horror came to the centre of Edinburgh yesterday when a young man threw himself from a bridge and fell 100 feet.
Witnesses burst into tears after the man hurled his pet Jack Russell terrier over the edge, then leapt after it.
The man fell on to the roof of Waverley Station's ticket office, almost crashing through the station's glass canopy.
He was "very seriously ill" in hospital last night after the suicide bid.
A vet fought to save the dog, but it died of its injuries.
The man, understood to be homeless, climbed on to the city's North Bridge just after noon.
He sat smoking, and swinging his legs over the edge, while police brought in members of his family to try to talk him down. But he refused to talk to negotiators.
The area was sealed to all traffic except buses, and the Waverley ticket office was cleared of customers.
The man jumped at about 3.15pm.
Eyewitness Graham Penman, 27, said: "It was horrible. He just stood up, grabbed the dog and threw it down.
"Then he stood on the edge, swayed from side to side, and just jumped.
"He somersaulted two or three times before he disappeared."
An ambulance service spokesman said: "He landed in a guttering area after hitting some pipes.
"It was quite difficult to get to him. He had severe head injuries and was suffering from multiple trauma."
The man was treated by paramedics at the scene, then rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary under police escort.

**

Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

HeadLine: Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

Daily Record, 28/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A group of mums told yesterday how alcopops had made their lives hell.
One revealed how her 13-year-old daughter was taken to hospital after bingeing on the trendy brew.
Another spoke of seeing a teenage girl stripped naked by boys because she was so drunk.
They were part of a group of parents who gathered yesterday and demanded action to ban all alcopops.
They want the drinks taken off the shelves and are backing the Record's campaign against them.
One mum, who gave her name only as Eileen, said she was devastated after finding her daughter on her knees because she was so drunk.
She told the meeting at Edinburgh's Muirhouse Festival Arts Centre: "I just found her lying at my front door and took her to hospital.
"She'd banged her head and was violent, kicking the nurses."
Linda Gilchrist, 41, said: "I had to call the police just the other night. There was a girl, I would say she was only about 13, completely out of it.
"She was stripped naked by four boys, only about 15 years old, and could do nothing about it. I don't know what happened to her after."
Helen Leadbetter, 32, from Muirhouse Place East, said: "They just sit drinking boxes of the stuff and get out of their face.
"We can't even let the bairns stay out any more because they've started threatening them with broken bottles.
"The alcopops should be banned. It's the shopkeepers and the way the bottles are made to look that I blame. It's just terrible."
Labour Euro MP David Martin who was at the meeting said he would push for alcopops to be taxed the same as whisky to make them too expensive for youngsters to buy.

**

OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

HeadLine: OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

Daily Record, 26/04/1997, p5 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A couple say their street is a death trap after a THIRD car crashed into their house.
Jack and Myra Sneddon were in their garden - just minutes before a car ploughed through their fence.
Last night, Myra, 59, of Bo'ness, West Lothian, said: "I'm scared stiff. We're sick of it."
Two years ago, Jack, 62, escaped injury when a car smashed through their bedroom wall. The year before, a car hit the same wall and caused exterior damage.
Myra added: "This can't go on. Council officials are coming to see me.
"I want them to have speed restrictions and a barrier put up."
A Falkirk Council spokeswoman said: "It's a tremendous run of bad luck but there appears to be no common thread."

**

SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

HeadLine: SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

Daily Record, 24/04/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A top Scots climber has died trying to fulfil his dream of conquering Mount Everest.
Mal Duff, 43, was found dead in his bed by friends at their Himalayan base camp yesterday.
He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Devastated wife Liz, 40 - also a keen climber - was being comforted by her family at her home in Culross, Fife. She plans to fly out to Nepal to bring her husband's body home.
She said: "I'm finding it hard to accept. He was such a strong guy."
And she vowed: "I'll never climb again. There is no-one else I would want to climb with."
Mal, who had made several unsuccessful attempts at Everest, was the guide in a seven-man expedition organised by his Fife-based Team Ascent company.
The team had all but finished their preparations and were due to start the climb within days.
Friend Hamish MacInnes, founder member of Glencoe Mountain Rescue, said Mal's death was a "great loss to Scottish mountaineering".

**

SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

HeadLine: SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p1 
by NICK BRITTEN AND SHAUN MILNE

A boy of 12 was crushed to death under the wheels of his school bus yesterday.
The first-year youngster got out of class late and chased the double- decker across the school car park.
He was trying to catch the driver's attention when he stumbled and fell under the front wheels.
The bus was packed with children who screamed in horror as they saw the accident.
Mercy crews found the bus still in the school grounds, with its front wheels on top of the boy.
They tried to revive him, but it's thought he died instantly.
The accident happened at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, West Lothian, yesterday afternoon.
The bus belongs to Lothian Regional Transport, and was contracted out to the local council to carry schoolkids.
Peter Burden, LRT operations manager, said: "We are all very sad. It's such a horrible thing.
"It's far too early to say what happened. The matter is under investigation."
West Lothian Council's education chairman Ross Martin said: "It is most distressing to hear of such a sad incident in the grounds of one of our schools.
"On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the boy's family.
"We will be carrying out a full investigation."
Police investigators were examining the bus last night, hoping to find clues.
It is the latest in a series of horrific accidents involving school buses.
In August last year Craig Brown, 12, was crushed under both sets of wheels of a bus in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire while returning home from school.
Seven months earlier Michael Grady,14, was killed by a school bus on his way to classes in Kent.
And in 1993, Christopher Wilson, 12, of Drongan, Ayrshire, died under the wheels of a school bus at Auchinleck Academy.

**

John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

HeadLine: John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p15
by SHAUN MILNE AND BILLY ADAMS

A man cheated death yesterday when his home was blown apart by a gas explosion as he cooked his breakfast.
The blast caved in walls and shattered windows and could be heard several miles away.
A major disaster was only avoided because the rush-hour had just died down in the area of Edinburgh.
The blast is thought to have been caused by a gas build-up in John Fleming's kitchen.
John, 29, was cooking breakfast in his second-floor tenement flat in Wardlaw Street, Edinburgh, when the explosion happened just after 9am.
Debris shattered flat windows and car windscreens up to 50 yards away.
Patrick Kerrigan, 62, who lives in a flat opposite, said: "I heard a big bang and next thing I knew I was covered in glass. It was terrifying. I thought a bomb had gone off."
Scores of people were evacuated to a nearby day centre, some badly shaken and wearing only nightclothes.
John was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as "stable" last night.
An ambulance spokesman said it was a miracle only one person had been hurt. He added: "It's lucky the rush hour was over and people weren't walking in what is normally a busy street.
Police said the explosion seemed to have come from John's cooker but investigations were continuing.
* TWO people died in an horrific gas blast in Edinburgh's Guthrie Street in October 1989.

**

Rev's out to rock the world

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: They won't give me cash to probe son's fireball death

Daily Record, 08/05/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A heartbroken dad who saw his son die after being electrocuted has been refused Legal Aid for the death probe.
Stephen Masson, 10, was turned into a human fireball when a scaffolding pole he was holding clipped a power line.
Yesterday, a fatal accident inquiry was adjourned when it was revealed George Masson's application to get Legal Aid for a lawyer at the probe was turned down.
Last night, George, 52, said: "I've not got the money to take on the fat cats. I don't know why they won't give me Legal Aid. Nobody will tell me."
He sobbed as he recounted the "nightmare" of seeing Stephen's last moments but vowed not to let somebody else's child die in the same way.
Stephen died from a 25,000-volt blast after crawling through a hole in a fence at Corkerhill Station, Glasgow, last October.
George, of Corkerhill Road, Glasgow, said: "It still haunts me. One of his pals came screaming `George, George, Stephen's on fire.
"I still don't know how I got over the fence but I just knew I had to.
"There was a neighbour there trying to put out the flames with her coat and we rolled him over and over.
"He was shouting `mum, mum' and all I could do was cover him up because all his clothes were burned off.
"There was nothing I could do. I've put in for a house transfer because everytime I look out I see where it happened. Even when I wake up at funny hours, there's a big light shines on the exact spot."
Stephen died in Yorkhill Hospital five days after the massive electric surge caused 90 per cent burns.
At the time, ScotRail were criticised for not repairing the boundary fence despite claims they had been warned for 12 years.
But George's hopes of finding out who was really to blame were shattered at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday. Sheriff Craig Henry adjourned the inquiry until July to give George a chance to appeal against the Legal Aid decision.
George added: "I go to the cemetery two or three times a week and talk to his grave. What else can I do?
"It could happen again. They fixed it for a while with string but that's not enough.
"Something has got to be done before someone else's child dies."
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Legal Aid Board said they couldn't comment.
Railtrack, who took over ScotRail stations, said they could not comment until after the inquiry.

**

Claymore wielding nut holds cops at bay for 5 hours

HeadLine: Claymore wielding nut holds cops at bay for 5 hours

Daily Record, 08/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A nutty tartan-clad Scot armed with two swords threatened police in Australia for over five hours yesterday.
Bruce Duncan, 30, was shouting in Gaelic and complaining about the SNP's election showing.
Calling himself "The Last Highlander" the ex-pat swung a claymore and samurai sword inches from the faces of police negotiators.
Duncan, who'd had a row with his ex-girlfriend, even taunted police marksmen to kill him as he marched along a Melbourne street.
A police spokesman said: "We're not sure if he thought he was in the Highlander film or Braveheart."
Officers sealed off the area after passers-by spotted knives strapped to Duncan's body.
The Scot was believed to have moved Down Under two years ago to live with his Australian- born girlfriend, then split up with her.
Police said the pair had been arguing before the drama, during which Duncan raved that the general election had been rigged.
Senior PC Wayne Wilson added: "He was also shouting in Gaelic about something.
"At one point he was threatening to do away with himself then changed his mind and tried to get us to do the job for him."
A police dog eventually sneaked up behind Duncan and grabbed him by the leg, allowing officers to move in.
Police spokesman Wilson added: "We sent him for a psychological assessment."
Foreign Office officials said they would interview Duncan after the Record alerted them.
He was charged with two counts of threatening to kill and is due in court next month.

**

HORROR AT 100ft

HeadLine: HORROR AT 100ft

Daily Record, 01/05/1997, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE 

Horror came to the centre of Edinburgh yesterday when a young man threw himself from a bridge and fell 100 feet.
Witnesses burst into tears after the man hurled his pet Jack Russell terrier over the edge, then leapt after it.
The man fell on to the roof of Waverley Station's ticket office, almost crashing through the station's glass canopy.
He was "very seriously ill" in hospital last night after the suicide bid.
A vet fought to save the dog, but it died of its injuries.
The man, understood to be homeless, climbed on to the city's North Bridge just after noon.
He sat smoking, and swinging his legs over the edge, while police brought in members of his family to try to talk him down. But he refused to talk to negotiators.
The area was sealed to all traffic except buses, and the Waverley ticket office was cleared of customers.
The man jumped at about 3.15pm.
Eyewitness Graham Penman, 27, said: "It was horrible. He just stood up, grabbed the dog and threw it down.
"Then he stood on the edge, swayed from side to side, and just jumped.
"He somersaulted two or three times before he disappeared."
An ambulance service spokesman said: "He landed in a guttering area after hitting some pipes.
"It was quite difficult to get to him. He had severe head injuries and was suffering from multiple trauma."
The man was treated by paramedics at the scene, then rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary under police escort.

**

Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

HeadLine: Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

Daily Record, 28/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A group of mums told yesterday how alcopops had made their lives hell.
One revealed how her 13-year-old daughter was taken to hospital after bingeing on the trendy brew.
Another spoke of seeing a teenage girl stripped naked by boys because she was so drunk.
They were part of a group of parents who gathered yesterday and demanded action to ban all alcopops.
They want the drinks taken off the shelves and are backing the Record's campaign against them.
One mum, who gave her name only as Eileen, said she was devastated after finding her daughter on her knees because she was so drunk.
She told the meeting at Edinburgh's Muirhouse Festival Arts Centre: "I just found her lying at my front door and took her to hospital.
"She'd banged her head and was violent, kicking the nurses."
Linda Gilchrist, 41, said: "I had to call the police just the other night. There was a girl, I would say she was only about 13, completely out of it.
"She was stripped naked by four boys, only about 15 years old, and could do nothing about it. I don't know what happened to her after."
Helen Leadbetter, 32, from Muirhouse Place East, said: "They just sit drinking boxes of the stuff and get out of their face.
"We can't even let the bairns stay out any more because they've started threatening them with broken bottles.
"The alcopops should be banned. It's the shopkeepers and the way the bottles are made to look that I blame. It's just terrible."
Labour Euro MP David Martin who was at the meeting said he would push for alcopops to be taxed the same as whisky to make them too expensive for youngsters to buy.

**

OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

HeadLine: OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

Daily Record, 26/04/1997, p5 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A couple say their street is a death trap after a THIRD car crashed into their house.
Jack and Myra Sneddon were in their garden - just minutes before a car ploughed through their fence.
Last night, Myra, 59, of Bo'ness, West Lothian, said: "I'm scared stiff. We're sick of it."
Two years ago, Jack, 62, escaped injury when a car smashed through their bedroom wall. The year before, a car hit the same wall and caused exterior damage.
Myra added: "This can't go on. Council officials are coming to see me.
"I want them to have speed restrictions and a barrier put up."
A Falkirk Council spokeswoman said: "It's a tremendous run of bad luck but there appears to be no common thread."

**

SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

HeadLine: SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

Daily Record, 24/04/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A top Scots climber has died trying to fulfil his dream of conquering Mount Everest.
Mal Duff, 43, was found dead in his bed by friends at their Himalayan base camp yesterday.
He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Devastated wife Liz, 40 - also a keen climber - was being comforted by her family at her home in Culross, Fife. She plans to fly out to Nepal to bring her husband's body home.
She said: "I'm finding it hard to accept. He was such a strong guy."
And she vowed: "I'll never climb again. There is no-one else I would want to climb with."
Mal, who had made several unsuccessful attempts at Everest, was the guide in a seven-man expedition organised by his Fife-based Team Ascent company.
The team had all but finished their preparations and were due to start the climb within days.
Friend Hamish MacInnes, founder member of Glencoe Mountain Rescue, said Mal's death was a "great loss to Scottish mountaineering".

**

SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

HeadLine: SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p1 
by NICK BRITTEN AND SHAUN MILNE

A boy of 12 was crushed to death under the wheels of his school bus yesterday.
The first-year youngster got out of class late and chased the double- decker across the school car park.
He was trying to catch the driver's attention when he stumbled and fell under the front wheels.
The bus was packed with children who screamed in horror as they saw the accident.
Mercy crews found the bus still in the school grounds, with its front wheels on top of the boy.
They tried to revive him, but it's thought he died instantly.
The accident happened at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, West Lothian, yesterday afternoon.
The bus belongs to Lothian Regional Transport, and was contracted out to the local council to carry schoolkids.
Peter Burden, LRT operations manager, said: "We are all very sad. It's such a horrible thing.
"It's far too early to say what happened. The matter is under investigation."
West Lothian Council's education chairman Ross Martin said: "It is most distressing to hear of such a sad incident in the grounds of one of our schools.
"On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the boy's family.
"We will be carrying out a full investigation."
Police investigators were examining the bus last night, hoping to find clues.
It is the latest in a series of horrific accidents involving school buses.
In August last year Craig Brown, 12, was crushed under both sets of wheels of a bus in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire while returning home from school.
Seven months earlier Michael Grady,14, was killed by a school bus on his way to classes in Kent.
And in 1993, Christopher Wilson, 12, of Drongan, Ayrshire, died under the wheels of a school bus at Auchinleck Academy.

**

John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

HeadLine: John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p15
by SHAUN MILNE AND BILLY ADAMS

A man cheated death yesterday when his home was blown apart by a gas explosion as he cooked his breakfast.
The blast caved in walls and shattered windows and could be heard several miles away.
A major disaster was only avoided because the rush-hour had just died down in the area of Edinburgh.
The blast is thought to have been caused by a gas build-up in John Fleming's kitchen.
John, 29, was cooking breakfast in his second-floor tenement flat in Wardlaw Street, Edinburgh, when the explosion happened just after 9am.
Debris shattered flat windows and car windscreens up to 50 yards away.
Patrick Kerrigan, 62, who lives in a flat opposite, said: "I heard a big bang and next thing I knew I was covered in glass. It was terrifying. I thought a bomb had gone off."
Scores of people were evacuated to a nearby day centre, some badly shaken and wearing only nightclothes.
John was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as "stable" last night.
An ambulance spokesman said it was a miracle only one person had been hurt. He added: "It's lucky the rush hour was over and people weren't walking in what is normally a busy street.
Police said the explosion seemed to have come from John's cooker but investigations were continuing.
* TWO people died in an horrific gas blast in Edinburgh's Guthrie Street in October 1989.

**

Rev's out to rock the world

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Claymore wielding nut holds cops at bay for 5 hours

Daily Record, 08/05/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A nutty tartan-clad Scot armed with two swords threatened police in Australia for over five hours yesterday.
Bruce Duncan, 30, was shouting in Gaelic and complaining about the SNP's election showing.
Calling himself "The Last Highlander" the ex-pat swung a claymore and samurai sword inches from the faces of police negotiators.
Duncan, who'd had a row with his ex-girlfriend, even taunted police marksmen to kill him as he marched along a Melbourne street.
A police spokesman said: "We're not sure if he thought he was in the Highlander film or Braveheart."
Officers sealed off the area after passers-by spotted knives strapped to Duncan's body.
The Scot was believed to have moved Down Under two years ago to live with his Australian- born girlfriend, then split up with her.
Police said the pair had been arguing before the drama, during which Duncan raved that the general election had been rigged.
Senior PC Wayne Wilson added: "He was also shouting in Gaelic about something.
"At one point he was threatening to do away with himself then changed his mind and tried to get us to do the job for him."
A police dog eventually sneaked up behind Duncan and grabbed him by the leg, allowing officers to move in.
Police spokesman Wilson added: "We sent him for a psychological assessment."
Foreign Office officials said they would interview Duncan after the Record alerted them.
He was charged with two counts of threatening to kill and is due in court next month.

**

HORROR AT 100ft

HeadLine: HORROR AT 100ft

Daily Record, 01/05/1997, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE 

Horror came to the centre of Edinburgh yesterday when a young man threw himself from a bridge and fell 100 feet.
Witnesses burst into tears after the man hurled his pet Jack Russell terrier over the edge, then leapt after it.
The man fell on to the roof of Waverley Station's ticket office, almost crashing through the station's glass canopy.
He was "very seriously ill" in hospital last night after the suicide bid.
A vet fought to save the dog, but it died of its injuries.
The man, understood to be homeless, climbed on to the city's North Bridge just after noon.
He sat smoking, and swinging his legs over the edge, while police brought in members of his family to try to talk him down. But he refused to talk to negotiators.
The area was sealed to all traffic except buses, and the Waverley ticket office was cleared of customers.
The man jumped at about 3.15pm.
Eyewitness Graham Penman, 27, said: "It was horrible. He just stood up, grabbed the dog and threw it down.
"Then he stood on the edge, swayed from side to side, and just jumped.
"He somersaulted two or three times before he disappeared."
An ambulance service spokesman said: "He landed in a guttering area after hitting some pipes.
"It was quite difficult to get to him. He had severe head injuries and was suffering from multiple trauma."
The man was treated by paramedics at the scene, then rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary under police escort.

**

Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

HeadLine: Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

Daily Record, 28/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A group of mums told yesterday how alcopops had made their lives hell.
One revealed how her 13-year-old daughter was taken to hospital after bingeing on the trendy brew.
Another spoke of seeing a teenage girl stripped naked by boys because she was so drunk.
They were part of a group of parents who gathered yesterday and demanded action to ban all alcopops.
They want the drinks taken off the shelves and are backing the Record's campaign against them.
One mum, who gave her name only as Eileen, said she was devastated after finding her daughter on her knees because she was so drunk.
She told the meeting at Edinburgh's Muirhouse Festival Arts Centre: "I just found her lying at my front door and took her to hospital.
"She'd banged her head and was violent, kicking the nurses."
Linda Gilchrist, 41, said: "I had to call the police just the other night. There was a girl, I would say she was only about 13, completely out of it.
"She was stripped naked by four boys, only about 15 years old, and could do nothing about it. I don't know what happened to her after."
Helen Leadbetter, 32, from Muirhouse Place East, said: "They just sit drinking boxes of the stuff and get out of their face.
"We can't even let the bairns stay out any more because they've started threatening them with broken bottles.
"The alcopops should be banned. It's the shopkeepers and the way the bottles are made to look that I blame. It's just terrible."
Labour Euro MP David Martin who was at the meeting said he would push for alcopops to be taxed the same as whisky to make them too expensive for youngsters to buy.

**

OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

HeadLine: OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

Daily Record, 26/04/1997, p5 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A couple say their street is a death trap after a THIRD car crashed into their house.
Jack and Myra Sneddon were in their garden - just minutes before a car ploughed through their fence.
Last night, Myra, 59, of Bo'ness, West Lothian, said: "I'm scared stiff. We're sick of it."
Two years ago, Jack, 62, escaped injury when a car smashed through their bedroom wall. The year before, a car hit the same wall and caused exterior damage.
Myra added: "This can't go on. Council officials are coming to see me.
"I want them to have speed restrictions and a barrier put up."
A Falkirk Council spokeswoman said: "It's a tremendous run of bad luck but there appears to be no common thread."

**

SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

HeadLine: SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

Daily Record, 24/04/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A top Scots climber has died trying to fulfil his dream of conquering Mount Everest.
Mal Duff, 43, was found dead in his bed by friends at their Himalayan base camp yesterday.
He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Devastated wife Liz, 40 - also a keen climber - was being comforted by her family at her home in Culross, Fife. She plans to fly out to Nepal to bring her husband's body home.
She said: "I'm finding it hard to accept. He was such a strong guy."
And she vowed: "I'll never climb again. There is no-one else I would want to climb with."
Mal, who had made several unsuccessful attempts at Everest, was the guide in a seven-man expedition organised by his Fife-based Team Ascent company.
The team had all but finished their preparations and were due to start the climb within days.
Friend Hamish MacInnes, founder member of Glencoe Mountain Rescue, said Mal's death was a "great loss to Scottish mountaineering".

**

SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

HeadLine: SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p1 
by NICK BRITTEN AND SHAUN MILNE

A boy of 12 was crushed to death under the wheels of his school bus yesterday.
The first-year youngster got out of class late and chased the double- decker across the school car park.
He was trying to catch the driver's attention when he stumbled and fell under the front wheels.
The bus was packed with children who screamed in horror as they saw the accident.
Mercy crews found the bus still in the school grounds, with its front wheels on top of the boy.
They tried to revive him, but it's thought he died instantly.
The accident happened at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, West Lothian, yesterday afternoon.
The bus belongs to Lothian Regional Transport, and was contracted out to the local council to carry schoolkids.
Peter Burden, LRT operations manager, said: "We are all very sad. It's such a horrible thing.
"It's far too early to say what happened. The matter is under investigation."
West Lothian Council's education chairman Ross Martin said: "It is most distressing to hear of such a sad incident in the grounds of one of our schools.
"On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the boy's family.
"We will be carrying out a full investigation."
Police investigators were examining the bus last night, hoping to find clues.
It is the latest in a series of horrific accidents involving school buses.
In August last year Craig Brown, 12, was crushed under both sets of wheels of a bus in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire while returning home from school.
Seven months earlier Michael Grady,14, was killed by a school bus on his way to classes in Kent.
And in 1993, Christopher Wilson, 12, of Drongan, Ayrshire, died under the wheels of a school bus at Auchinleck Academy.

**

John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

HeadLine: John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p15
by SHAUN MILNE AND BILLY ADAMS

A man cheated death yesterday when his home was blown apart by a gas explosion as he cooked his breakfast.
The blast caved in walls and shattered windows and could be heard several miles away.
A major disaster was only avoided because the rush-hour had just died down in the area of Edinburgh.
The blast is thought to have been caused by a gas build-up in John Fleming's kitchen.
John, 29, was cooking breakfast in his second-floor tenement flat in Wardlaw Street, Edinburgh, when the explosion happened just after 9am.
Debris shattered flat windows and car windscreens up to 50 yards away.
Patrick Kerrigan, 62, who lives in a flat opposite, said: "I heard a big bang and next thing I knew I was covered in glass. It was terrifying. I thought a bomb had gone off."
Scores of people were evacuated to a nearby day centre, some badly shaken and wearing only nightclothes.
John was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as "stable" last night.
An ambulance spokesman said it was a miracle only one person had been hurt. He added: "It's lucky the rush hour was over and people weren't walking in what is normally a busy street.
Police said the explosion seemed to have come from John's cooker but investigations were continuing.
* TWO people died in an horrific gas blast in Edinburgh's Guthrie Street in October 1989.

**

Rev's out to rock the world

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: HORROR AT 100ft

Daily Record, 01/05/1997, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE 

Horror came to the centre of Edinburgh yesterday when a young man threw himself from a bridge and fell 100 feet.
Witnesses burst into tears after the man hurled his pet Jack Russell terrier over the edge, then leapt after it.
The man fell on to the roof of Waverley Station's ticket office, almost crashing through the station's glass canopy.
He was "very seriously ill" in hospital last night after the suicide bid.
A vet fought to save the dog, but it died of its injuries.
The man, understood to be homeless, climbed on to the city's North Bridge just after noon.
He sat smoking, and swinging his legs over the edge, while police brought in members of his family to try to talk him down. But he refused to talk to negotiators.
The area was sealed to all traffic except buses, and the Waverley ticket office was cleared of customers.
The man jumped at about 3.15pm.
Eyewitness Graham Penman, 27, said: "It was horrible. He just stood up, grabbed the dog and threw it down.
"Then he stood on the edge, swayed from side to side, and just jumped.
"He somersaulted two or three times before he disappeared."
An ambulance service spokesman said: "He landed in a guttering area after hitting some pipes.
"It was quite difficult to get to him. He had severe head injuries and was suffering from multiple trauma."
The man was treated by paramedics at the scene, then rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary under police escort.

**

Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

HeadLine: Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

Daily Record, 28/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A group of mums told yesterday how alcopops had made their lives hell.
One revealed how her 13-year-old daughter was taken to hospital after bingeing on the trendy brew.
Another spoke of seeing a teenage girl stripped naked by boys because she was so drunk.
They were part of a group of parents who gathered yesterday and demanded action to ban all alcopops.
They want the drinks taken off the shelves and are backing the Record's campaign against them.
One mum, who gave her name only as Eileen, said she was devastated after finding her daughter on her knees because she was so drunk.
She told the meeting at Edinburgh's Muirhouse Festival Arts Centre: "I just found her lying at my front door and took her to hospital.
"She'd banged her head and was violent, kicking the nurses."
Linda Gilchrist, 41, said: "I had to call the police just the other night. There was a girl, I would say she was only about 13, completely out of it.
"She was stripped naked by four boys, only about 15 years old, and could do nothing about it. I don't know what happened to her after."
Helen Leadbetter, 32, from Muirhouse Place East, said: "They just sit drinking boxes of the stuff and get out of their face.
"We can't even let the bairns stay out any more because they've started threatening them with broken bottles.
"The alcopops should be banned. It's the shopkeepers and the way the bottles are made to look that I blame. It's just terrible."
Labour Euro MP David Martin who was at the meeting said he would push for alcopops to be taxed the same as whisky to make them too expensive for youngsters to buy.

**

OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

HeadLine: OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

Daily Record, 26/04/1997, p5 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A couple say their street is a death trap after a THIRD car crashed into their house.
Jack and Myra Sneddon were in their garden - just minutes before a car ploughed through their fence.
Last night, Myra, 59, of Bo'ness, West Lothian, said: "I'm scared stiff. We're sick of it."
Two years ago, Jack, 62, escaped injury when a car smashed through their bedroom wall. The year before, a car hit the same wall and caused exterior damage.
Myra added: "This can't go on. Council officials are coming to see me.
"I want them to have speed restrictions and a barrier put up."
A Falkirk Council spokeswoman said: "It's a tremendous run of bad luck but there appears to be no common thread."

**

SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

HeadLine: SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

Daily Record, 24/04/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A top Scots climber has died trying to fulfil his dream of conquering Mount Everest.
Mal Duff, 43, was found dead in his bed by friends at their Himalayan base camp yesterday.
He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Devastated wife Liz, 40 - also a keen climber - was being comforted by her family at her home in Culross, Fife. She plans to fly out to Nepal to bring her husband's body home.
She said: "I'm finding it hard to accept. He was such a strong guy."
And she vowed: "I'll never climb again. There is no-one else I would want to climb with."
Mal, who had made several unsuccessful attempts at Everest, was the guide in a seven-man expedition organised by his Fife-based Team Ascent company.
The team had all but finished their preparations and were due to start the climb within days.
Friend Hamish MacInnes, founder member of Glencoe Mountain Rescue, said Mal's death was a "great loss to Scottish mountaineering".

**

SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

HeadLine: SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p1 
by NICK BRITTEN AND SHAUN MILNE

A boy of 12 was crushed to death under the wheels of his school bus yesterday.
The first-year youngster got out of class late and chased the double- decker across the school car park.
He was trying to catch the driver's attention when he stumbled and fell under the front wheels.
The bus was packed with children who screamed in horror as they saw the accident.
Mercy crews found the bus still in the school grounds, with its front wheels on top of the boy.
They tried to revive him, but it's thought he died instantly.
The accident happened at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, West Lothian, yesterday afternoon.
The bus belongs to Lothian Regional Transport, and was contracted out to the local council to carry schoolkids.
Peter Burden, LRT operations manager, said: "We are all very sad. It's such a horrible thing.
"It's far too early to say what happened. The matter is under investigation."
West Lothian Council's education chairman Ross Martin said: "It is most distressing to hear of such a sad incident in the grounds of one of our schools.
"On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the boy's family.
"We will be carrying out a full investigation."
Police investigators were examining the bus last night, hoping to find clues.
It is the latest in a series of horrific accidents involving school buses.
In August last year Craig Brown, 12, was crushed under both sets of wheels of a bus in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire while returning home from school.
Seven months earlier Michael Grady,14, was killed by a school bus on his way to classes in Kent.
And in 1993, Christopher Wilson, 12, of Drongan, Ayrshire, died under the wheels of a school bus at Auchinleck Academy.

**

John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

HeadLine: John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p15
by SHAUN MILNE AND BILLY ADAMS

A man cheated death yesterday when his home was blown apart by a gas explosion as he cooked his breakfast.
The blast caved in walls and shattered windows and could be heard several miles away.
A major disaster was only avoided because the rush-hour had just died down in the area of Edinburgh.
The blast is thought to have been caused by a gas build-up in John Fleming's kitchen.
John, 29, was cooking breakfast in his second-floor tenement flat in Wardlaw Street, Edinburgh, when the explosion happened just after 9am.
Debris shattered flat windows and car windscreens up to 50 yards away.
Patrick Kerrigan, 62, who lives in a flat opposite, said: "I heard a big bang and next thing I knew I was covered in glass. It was terrifying. I thought a bomb had gone off."
Scores of people were evacuated to a nearby day centre, some badly shaken and wearing only nightclothes.
John was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as "stable" last night.
An ambulance spokesman said it was a miracle only one person had been hurt. He added: "It's lucky the rush hour was over and people weren't walking in what is normally a busy street.
Police said the explosion seemed to have come from John's cooker but investigations were continuing.
* TWO people died in an horrific gas blast in Edinburgh's Guthrie Street in October 1989.

**

Rev's out to rock the world

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Mums fight to beat evil of alcopops

Daily Record, 28/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A group of mums told yesterday how alcopops had made their lives hell.
One revealed how her 13-year-old daughter was taken to hospital after bingeing on the trendy brew.
Another spoke of seeing a teenage girl stripped naked by boys because she was so drunk.
They were part of a group of parents who gathered yesterday and demanded action to ban all alcopops.
They want the drinks taken off the shelves and are backing the Record's campaign against them.
One mum, who gave her name only as Eileen, said she was devastated after finding her daughter on her knees because she was so drunk.
She told the meeting at Edinburgh's Muirhouse Festival Arts Centre: "I just found her lying at my front door and took her to hospital.
"She'd banged her head and was violent, kicking the nurses."
Linda Gilchrist, 41, said: "I had to call the police just the other night. There was a girl, I would say she was only about 13, completely out of it.
"She was stripped naked by four boys, only about 15 years old, and could do nothing about it. I don't know what happened to her after."
Helen Leadbetter, 32, from Muirhouse Place East, said: "They just sit drinking boxes of the stuff and get out of their face.
"We can't even let the bairns stay out any more because they've started threatening them with broken bottles.
"The alcopops should be banned. It's the shopkeepers and the way the bottles are made to look that I blame. It's just terrible."
Labour Euro MP David Martin who was at the meeting said he would push for alcopops to be taxed the same as whisky to make them too expensive for youngsters to buy.

**

OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

HeadLine: OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

Daily Record, 26/04/1997, p5 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A couple say their street is a death trap after a THIRD car crashed into their house.
Jack and Myra Sneddon were in their garden - just minutes before a car ploughed through their fence.
Last night, Myra, 59, of Bo'ness, West Lothian, said: "I'm scared stiff. We're sick of it."
Two years ago, Jack, 62, escaped injury when a car smashed through their bedroom wall. The year before, a car hit the same wall and caused exterior damage.
Myra added: "This can't go on. Council officials are coming to see me.
"I want them to have speed restrictions and a barrier put up."
A Falkirk Council spokeswoman said: "It's a tremendous run of bad luck but there appears to be no common thread."

**

SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

HeadLine: SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

Daily Record, 24/04/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A top Scots climber has died trying to fulfil his dream of conquering Mount Everest.
Mal Duff, 43, was found dead in his bed by friends at their Himalayan base camp yesterday.
He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Devastated wife Liz, 40 - also a keen climber - was being comforted by her family at her home in Culross, Fife. She plans to fly out to Nepal to bring her husband's body home.
She said: "I'm finding it hard to accept. He was such a strong guy."
And she vowed: "I'll never climb again. There is no-one else I would want to climb with."
Mal, who had made several unsuccessful attempts at Everest, was the guide in a seven-man expedition organised by his Fife-based Team Ascent company.
The team had all but finished their preparations and were due to start the climb within days.
Friend Hamish MacInnes, founder member of Glencoe Mountain Rescue, said Mal's death was a "great loss to Scottish mountaineering".

**

SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

HeadLine: SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p1 
by NICK BRITTEN AND SHAUN MILNE

A boy of 12 was crushed to death under the wheels of his school bus yesterday.
The first-year youngster got out of class late and chased the double- decker across the school car park.
He was trying to catch the driver's attention when he stumbled and fell under the front wheels.
The bus was packed with children who screamed in horror as they saw the accident.
Mercy crews found the bus still in the school grounds, with its front wheels on top of the boy.
They tried to revive him, but it's thought he died instantly.
The accident happened at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, West Lothian, yesterday afternoon.
The bus belongs to Lothian Regional Transport, and was contracted out to the local council to carry schoolkids.
Peter Burden, LRT operations manager, said: "We are all very sad. It's such a horrible thing.
"It's far too early to say what happened. The matter is under investigation."
West Lothian Council's education chairman Ross Martin said: "It is most distressing to hear of such a sad incident in the grounds of one of our schools.
"On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the boy's family.
"We will be carrying out a full investigation."
Police investigators were examining the bus last night, hoping to find clues.
It is the latest in a series of horrific accidents involving school buses.
In August last year Craig Brown, 12, was crushed under both sets of wheels of a bus in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire while returning home from school.
Seven months earlier Michael Grady,14, was killed by a school bus on his way to classes in Kent.
And in 1993, Christopher Wilson, 12, of Drongan, Ayrshire, died under the wheels of a school bus at Auchinleck Academy.

**

John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

HeadLine: John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p15
by SHAUN MILNE AND BILLY ADAMS

A man cheated death yesterday when his home was blown apart by a gas explosion as he cooked his breakfast.
The blast caved in walls and shattered windows and could be heard several miles away.
A major disaster was only avoided because the rush-hour had just died down in the area of Edinburgh.
The blast is thought to have been caused by a gas build-up in John Fleming's kitchen.
John, 29, was cooking breakfast in his second-floor tenement flat in Wardlaw Street, Edinburgh, when the explosion happened just after 9am.
Debris shattered flat windows and car windscreens up to 50 yards away.
Patrick Kerrigan, 62, who lives in a flat opposite, said: "I heard a big bang and next thing I knew I was covered in glass. It was terrifying. I thought a bomb had gone off."
Scores of people were evacuated to a nearby day centre, some badly shaken and wearing only nightclothes.
John was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as "stable" last night.
An ambulance spokesman said it was a miracle only one person had been hurt. He added: "It's lucky the rush hour was over and people weren't walking in what is normally a busy street.
Police said the explosion seemed to have come from John's cooker but investigations were continuing.
* TWO people died in an horrific gas blast in Edinburgh's Guthrie Street in October 1989.

**

Rev's out to rock the world

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: OUR GARDEN'S DEADLY

Daily Record, 26/04/1997, p5 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A couple say their street is a death trap after a THIRD car crashed into their house.
Jack and Myra Sneddon were in their garden - just minutes before a car ploughed through their fence.
Last night, Myra, 59, of Bo'ness, West Lothian, said: "I'm scared stiff. We're sick of it."
Two years ago, Jack, 62, escaped injury when a car smashed through their bedroom wall. The year before, a car hit the same wall and caused exterior damage.
Myra added: "This can't go on. Council officials are coming to see me.
"I want them to have speed restrictions and a barrier put up."
A Falkirk Council spokeswoman said: "It's a tremendous run of bad luck but there appears to be no common thread."

**

SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

HeadLine: SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

Daily Record, 24/04/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A top Scots climber has died trying to fulfil his dream of conquering Mount Everest.
Mal Duff, 43, was found dead in his bed by friends at their Himalayan base camp yesterday.
He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Devastated wife Liz, 40 - also a keen climber - was being comforted by her family at her home in Culross, Fife. She plans to fly out to Nepal to bring her husband's body home.
She said: "I'm finding it hard to accept. He was such a strong guy."
And she vowed: "I'll never climb again. There is no-one else I would want to climb with."
Mal, who had made several unsuccessful attempts at Everest, was the guide in a seven-man expedition organised by his Fife-based Team Ascent company.
The team had all but finished their preparations and were due to start the climb within days.
Friend Hamish MacInnes, founder member of Glencoe Mountain Rescue, said Mal's death was a "great loss to Scottish mountaineering".

**

SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

HeadLine: SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p1 
by NICK BRITTEN AND SHAUN MILNE

A boy of 12 was crushed to death under the wheels of his school bus yesterday.
The first-year youngster got out of class late and chased the double- decker across the school car park.
He was trying to catch the driver's attention when he stumbled and fell under the front wheels.
The bus was packed with children who screamed in horror as they saw the accident.
Mercy crews found the bus still in the school grounds, with its front wheels on top of the boy.
They tried to revive him, but it's thought he died instantly.
The accident happened at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, West Lothian, yesterday afternoon.
The bus belongs to Lothian Regional Transport, and was contracted out to the local council to carry schoolkids.
Peter Burden, LRT operations manager, said: "We are all very sad. It's such a horrible thing.
"It's far too early to say what happened. The matter is under investigation."
West Lothian Council's education chairman Ross Martin said: "It is most distressing to hear of such a sad incident in the grounds of one of our schools.
"On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the boy's family.
"We will be carrying out a full investigation."
Police investigators were examining the bus last night, hoping to find clues.
It is the latest in a series of horrific accidents involving school buses.
In August last year Craig Brown, 12, was crushed under both sets of wheels of a bus in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire while returning home from school.
Seven months earlier Michael Grady,14, was killed by a school bus on his way to classes in Kent.
And in 1993, Christopher Wilson, 12, of Drongan, Ayrshire, died under the wheels of a school bus at Auchinleck Academy.

**

John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

HeadLine: John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p15
by SHAUN MILNE AND BILLY ADAMS

A man cheated death yesterday when his home was blown apart by a gas explosion as he cooked his breakfast.
The blast caved in walls and shattered windows and could be heard several miles away.
A major disaster was only avoided because the rush-hour had just died down in the area of Edinburgh.
The blast is thought to have been caused by a gas build-up in John Fleming's kitchen.
John, 29, was cooking breakfast in his second-floor tenement flat in Wardlaw Street, Edinburgh, when the explosion happened just after 9am.
Debris shattered flat windows and car windscreens up to 50 yards away.
Patrick Kerrigan, 62, who lives in a flat opposite, said: "I heard a big bang and next thing I knew I was covered in glass. It was terrifying. I thought a bomb had gone off."
Scores of people were evacuated to a nearby day centre, some badly shaken and wearing only nightclothes.
John was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as "stable" last night.
An ambulance spokesman said it was a miracle only one person had been hurt. He added: "It's lucky the rush hour was over and people weren't walking in what is normally a busy street.
Police said the explosion seemed to have come from John's cooker but investigations were continuing.
* TWO people died in an horrific gas blast in Edinburgh's Guthrie Street in October 1989.

**

Rev's out to rock the world

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: SCOT IN EVEREST TRAGEDY

Daily Record, 24/04/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A top Scots climber has died trying to fulfil his dream of conquering Mount Everest.
Mal Duff, 43, was found dead in his bed by friends at their Himalayan base camp yesterday.
He is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Devastated wife Liz, 40 - also a keen climber - was being comforted by her family at her home in Culross, Fife. She plans to fly out to Nepal to bring her husband's body home.
She said: "I'm finding it hard to accept. He was such a strong guy."
And she vowed: "I'll never climb again. There is no-one else I would want to climb with."
Mal, who had made several unsuccessful attempts at Everest, was the guide in a seven-man expedition organised by his Fife-based Team Ascent company.
The team had all but finished their preparations and were due to start the climb within days.
Friend Hamish MacInnes, founder member of Glencoe Mountain Rescue, said Mal's death was a "great loss to Scottish mountaineering".

**

SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

HeadLine: SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p1 
by NICK BRITTEN AND SHAUN MILNE

A boy of 12 was crushed to death under the wheels of his school bus yesterday.
The first-year youngster got out of class late and chased the double- decker across the school car park.
He was trying to catch the driver's attention when he stumbled and fell under the front wheels.
The bus was packed with children who screamed in horror as they saw the accident.
Mercy crews found the bus still in the school grounds, with its front wheels on top of the boy.
They tried to revive him, but it's thought he died instantly.
The accident happened at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, West Lothian, yesterday afternoon.
The bus belongs to Lothian Regional Transport, and was contracted out to the local council to carry schoolkids.
Peter Burden, LRT operations manager, said: "We are all very sad. It's such a horrible thing.
"It's far too early to say what happened. The matter is under investigation."
West Lothian Council's education chairman Ross Martin said: "It is most distressing to hear of such a sad incident in the grounds of one of our schools.
"On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the boy's family.
"We will be carrying out a full investigation."
Police investigators were examining the bus last night, hoping to find clues.
It is the latest in a series of horrific accidents involving school buses.
In August last year Craig Brown, 12, was crushed under both sets of wheels of a bus in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire while returning home from school.
Seven months earlier Michael Grady,14, was killed by a school bus on his way to classes in Kent.
And in 1993, Christopher Wilson, 12, of Drongan, Ayrshire, died under the wheels of a school bus at Auchinleck Academy.

**

John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

HeadLine: John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p15
by SHAUN MILNE AND BILLY ADAMS

A man cheated death yesterday when his home was blown apart by a gas explosion as he cooked his breakfast.
The blast caved in walls and shattered windows and could be heard several miles away.
A major disaster was only avoided because the rush-hour had just died down in the area of Edinburgh.
The blast is thought to have been caused by a gas build-up in John Fleming's kitchen.
John, 29, was cooking breakfast in his second-floor tenement flat in Wardlaw Street, Edinburgh, when the explosion happened just after 9am.
Debris shattered flat windows and car windscreens up to 50 yards away.
Patrick Kerrigan, 62, who lives in a flat opposite, said: "I heard a big bang and next thing I knew I was covered in glass. It was terrifying. I thought a bomb had gone off."
Scores of people were evacuated to a nearby day centre, some badly shaken and wearing only nightclothes.
John was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as "stable" last night.
An ambulance spokesman said it was a miracle only one person had been hurt. He added: "It's lucky the rush hour was over and people weren't walking in what is normally a busy street.
Police said the explosion seemed to have come from John's cooker but investigations were continuing.
* TWO people died in an horrific gas blast in Edinburgh's Guthrie Street in October 1989.

**

Rev's out to rock the world

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: SCHOOL BUS KILLS BOY, 12

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p1 
by NICK BRITTEN AND SHAUN MILNE

A boy of 12 was crushed to death under the wheels of his school bus yesterday.
The first-year youngster got out of class late and chased the double- decker across the school car park.
He was trying to catch the driver's attention when he stumbled and fell under the front wheels.
The bus was packed with children who screamed in horror as they saw the accident.
Mercy crews found the bus still in the school grounds, with its front wheels on top of the boy.
They tried to revive him, but it's thought he died instantly.
The accident happened at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, West Lothian, yesterday afternoon.
The bus belongs to Lothian Regional Transport, and was contracted out to the local council to carry schoolkids.
Peter Burden, LRT operations manager, said: "We are all very sad. It's such a horrible thing.
"It's far too early to say what happened. The matter is under investigation."
West Lothian Council's education chairman Ross Martin said: "It is most distressing to hear of such a sad incident in the grounds of one of our schools.
"On behalf of the council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the boy's family.
"We will be carrying out a full investigation."
Police investigators were examining the bus last night, hoping to find clues.
It is the latest in a series of horrific accidents involving school buses.
In August last year Craig Brown, 12, was crushed under both sets of wheels of a bus in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire while returning home from school.
Seven months earlier Michael Grady,14, was killed by a school bus on his way to classes in Kent.
And in 1993, Christopher Wilson, 12, of Drongan, Ayrshire, died under the wheels of a school bus at Auchinleck Academy.

**

John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

HeadLine: John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p15
by SHAUN MILNE AND BILLY ADAMS

A man cheated death yesterday when his home was blown apart by a gas explosion as he cooked his breakfast.
The blast caved in walls and shattered windows and could be heard several miles away.
A major disaster was only avoided because the rush-hour had just died down in the area of Edinburgh.
The blast is thought to have been caused by a gas build-up in John Fleming's kitchen.
John, 29, was cooking breakfast in his second-floor tenement flat in Wardlaw Street, Edinburgh, when the explosion happened just after 9am.
Debris shattered flat windows and car windscreens up to 50 yards away.
Patrick Kerrigan, 62, who lives in a flat opposite, said: "I heard a big bang and next thing I knew I was covered in glass. It was terrifying. I thought a bomb had gone off."
Scores of people were evacuated to a nearby day centre, some badly shaken and wearing only nightclothes.
John was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as "stable" last night.
An ambulance spokesman said it was a miracle only one person had been hurt. He added: "It's lucky the rush hour was over and people weren't walking in what is normally a busy street.
Police said the explosion seemed to have come from John's cooker but investigations were continuing.
* TWO people died in an horrific gas blast in Edinburgh's Guthrie Street in October 1989.

**

Rev's out to rock the world

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: John blows up flat cooking his breakfast

Daily Record, 23/04/1997, p15
by SHAUN MILNE AND BILLY ADAMS

A man cheated death yesterday when his home was blown apart by a gas explosion as he cooked his breakfast.
The blast caved in walls and shattered windows and could be heard several miles away.
A major disaster was only avoided because the rush-hour had just died down in the area of Edinburgh.
The blast is thought to have been caused by a gas build-up in John Fleming's kitchen.
John, 29, was cooking breakfast in his second-floor tenement flat in Wardlaw Street, Edinburgh, when the explosion happened just after 9am.
Debris shattered flat windows and car windscreens up to 50 yards away.
Patrick Kerrigan, 62, who lives in a flat opposite, said: "I heard a big bang and next thing I knew I was covered in glass. It was terrifying. I thought a bomb had gone off."
Scores of people were evacuated to a nearby day centre, some badly shaken and wearing only nightclothes.
John was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as "stable" last night.
An ambulance spokesman said it was a miracle only one person had been hurt. He added: "It's lucky the rush hour was over and people weren't walking in what is normally a busy street.
Police said the explosion seemed to have come from John's cooker but investigations were continuing.
* TWO people died in an horrific gas blast in Edinburgh's Guthrie Street in October 1989.

**

Rev's out to rock the world

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Rev's out to rock the world

Daily Record, 22/04/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

A minister is taking time out to go on the road with a ROCK band.
The Rev Albert Bogle and his band have been invited to tour with their Celtic-rock style music across the US and Canada.
But the minister, from St Andrew's Parish Church, Bo'ness, West Lothian, says it's just another way of spreading God's word.
The Bogle Band, who have made four albums, will make their TV debut in New York on the June tour organised by the Presbyterian Church of North America.
Albert said: "Some people have called me the rocking rev but that makes us sound like a joke. We take our music very seriously."
Their set uses screens hooked up to a multi-media system, projecting images to illustrate messages.
Albert added: "I'm a busy minister. I've got to bury the dead, care for people and other things. This is just a hobby."
The Bogle Band, whose other members are Keith Tait, Ash Kimber, Ian Wilson and Iain and Colin Jamieson, plan a new album in the autumn on their own label.

**

Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Police hunt for gang of thieving swine

Daily Record, 16/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Pig rustlers are bringing home the bacon after a series of raids on an isolated farm.
The evil swine nicked 30 porkers worth £2200.
It is the third time pig bandits have struck at the farm which has lost 50 other pigs since last August.
The pigs are a white cross breed with brown markings and weigh nearly 13 stones each after being fattened for market.
Angry farmer David Miller, 43, claims whoever stole the animals from Stonelaws Farm near East Linton, East Lothian, must know the area and how to handle pigs.
He said: "It's obvious they know what they are doing. This kind of thing has to have taken a lot of planning.
"They would have needed a trailer or truck of some kind and have already set up an outlet for them."
Friday night's theft was from the yard at the home where David lives with wife Christina and their three kids.
He is now upgrading security to protect the rest of the stock - up to 4000 in certain seasons. None are tagged until they head for market.
He added: "Although we eventually sell them to be killed, you do care for the pigs."
Police are now on the trail, quizzing slaughterhouse bosses and meat workers.

**

Police on IRA alert for Scots National

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Police on IRA alert for Scots National

Daily Record, 14/04/199, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police are stepping up security for Saturday's Scottish Grand National amid fears it could be an IRA target.
Extra officers are being drafted into Ayr Race-course as a precaution after the Grand National at Aintree was postponed because of bomb threats.
Security chiefs are taking no chances during the election countdown in the Tory marginal seat.
A police source revealed: "We're dealing with fanaticism, we can't ignore them. This is a national problem."
Around 17,000 people are expected to attend Scotland's premier steeplechase, which has a record 83 entries.
About 30 horses are expected to run the race.
Course general manager Mark Kershaw said: "It's precautionary but what we've done is review and upgrade all our security arrangements.
"It's the greatest steeplechase race in Scotland and we want people to be able to come along and enjoy themselves in safety."
Ayr is a short journey from Prestwick Airport and close to Northern Ireland ferries.
Ayr resident George Foulkes, Labour MP for neighbouring Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: "The IRA scored an own goal at Aintree.
"They would be very foolish to try to have any kind of repeat in Ayr."

**

Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Hammer terror strikes shopping mall

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A man brought terror to a busy shopping centre when he ran amok with a hammer yesterday.
Terrified shoppers ran for cover at Edinburgh's Gyle Shopping Centre when he jumped on to car roofs and began smashing the windscreens.
It took two security guards to overpower the man and hold him on the ground until police arrived to detain him.
Eye-witness George Kerr, 47, from Dalkeith, said people were terrified.
He added: "The guy came out of the centre and into the car park with what looked to be a metal, club hammer.
"He just jumped up on one of the cars and started smashing in the windows. Then he jumped from car to car doing the same thing until security grabbed him.
"One security guard sat on the guy until police came. His hand was cut from smashing all the glass."
He said that staff at the Gyle centre had to wash blood off cars, then clear up all the glass, adding: "Some folk were really shaken by it.
Catherine Blair, 33, from Westburn village, Edinburgh, said security guards pounced while the man shouted that the Daleks were out to get him.
She added: "It was terrifying."
Gyle marketing manager Karen Johnson said: "There was absolutely no danger to the public, no one was hurt."
She admitted the cost of repairing the damage may have to be met from the car owners' own insurance.
Police confirmed last night that a 21-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incident.

**

A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: A cruel twist to anti-fur protest

Daily Record, 11/04/1997, p35 
by SHAUN MILNE AND RAY NOTARANGELO

A one-woman campaign against animal cruelty is driving her neighbours up the wall.
Eccentric Sandra Busell has plastered the windows of her ground-floor flat with anti-fur trade posters of dead animals dripping in blood.
And her protest is bad news for Steve and Dawn Proudler.
They live next door and are trying to sell their flat.
But would-be buyers take one look at their elderly neighbour's anti-cruelty display - and decide they don't want to move in.
The Proudlers haven't had one offer - although the flat's been on the market for nearly a year and more than FIFTY couples have been to view it.
Dawn, 29, described her neighbour's home as a "house of horrors".
She said: "Lots of people ask me if it's a party of animal rights activists that live there.
"You should see the look on their faces when I tell them it's just a little old woman on her own."
The Proudlers' two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's Marchmont area is up for sale at £85,000.
The couple, who have two children, want to move to a bigger house.
Steve, 35, who owns the nearby International Bar, said: "People have told their lawyers that they're extremely interested in the house but worried about next door."
He has tried in vain to coax his neighbour into taking down the posters.
He said: "She just runs away and hides and will only talk to you through the letter box. It's just so frustrating."
An Edinburgh estate agent said it was unusual for houses in Marchmont to stay on the market for so long - they're usually snapped up in weeks.
Last night, there was no answer at the next-door flat.

**

Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Bride's family wiped out in horror smash

Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND IAN DOW

The mum, aunt and cousin of a young bride-to-be all died in a fireball car crash.
Solicitor Jennifer Marshall, 28, was due to wed Danish fiance Lars Nielsen on Saturday. But the wedding has been put off indefinitely.
Instead, funeral arrangements are being made for her mum Elspeth and her cousin and aunt, who both travelled from Australia specially to see her marry.
Elspeth, 57, died after being trapped in her burning Audi.
It was involved in a head-on crash with a Ford Escort on the A697 near Lauder, Berwickshire, on Tuesday.
She had been driving to Edinburgh with her sister Mhairi Loughnan, 55, and niece Alison, who flew from Sydney for the wedding.
Family minister the Rev Ian Scott, who was to have conducted the wedding at Greenbank Parish Church in Morningside, Edinburgh, said: "Jennifer was looking forward so much to her big day.
"This will live with her for the rest of her life.
"Whenever she does get married there will always be a link in her mind between her wedding day and these terrible events."
Mr Scott said the close-knit Marshalls were still in shock.
He added: "Jennifer was very close to her mother and they were very alike.
"They were both very lively characters.
"The Australian side of the family often visited Scotland."
Jennifer was too distraught to comment.
Elspeth's husband John, a retired lawyer, was being comforted at home in Morningside by sons David and Alistair.
Mhairi's husband John, also 55, was taken to Borders General Hospital with leg and abdominal injuries.
The driver of the Escort, Angela Orr, 28, of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, was treated for leg and chest injuries.
She was "satisfactory" last night while John was said to be stable.
Police were still trying to find out what caused the crash.
They praised the courage of passing motorists who tried to pull victims from the burning wreckage.

**

Safety probe over fears at gas plant

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

Headline: Health Fears over gas safety plant
Daily Record, 10/04/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Safety bosses have launched a probe at a giant gas plant.
Worried workers claim their lives are at risk.
They say staff cuts have jeopardised safety at Shell UK's Natural Gas Liquids plant at Mossmorran in Fife.
It follows two separate incidents within five weeks which led to fears of a disaster.
One worker at the plant, who asked not to be named, said he and his colleagues there were "worried sick".
He said: "We had an oil pump go on fire and very nearly blow up. Then two site trucks - the only ones in the whole place at the time - crashed into each other.
"They've hived off so many staff there's just not enough left to carry out proper maintenance and safety checks."
Shell said around 80 staff still worked on the site after 13 of their own workers and more than 40 contractors were made redundant last year.
A Shell spokesman added plant bosses "fully understand" staff concerns but said Mossmorran had a good safety record.
He said: "If we thought the changes would have a detrimental effect on safety they would not have been implemented."
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they have launched a probe.

**

New laws will never kill food bug threat

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: New laws will never kill food bug threat

Daily Record, 09/04/1997, p6

by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 
The Pennington report yesterday called for huge changes to the way meat is handled in a bid to reduce the threat of E Coli.
But Professor Hugh Pennington admitted the killer food bug can NEVER be stamped out.
And he caused fury among butchers and families of E Coli victims by not recommending a food agency be set up to monitor safety.
Recommendations in his long-awaited report on food safety and management were ALL backed by the Government.
Professor Pennington was NOT investigating the causes of the Lanarkshire outbreak which claimed 18 lives.
He said: "I wouldn't like anyone to get the impression that if everything is implemented from the report it will be the end of E Coli as a hazard."
He said his guidelines on the way meat is handled "from the farm to the fork" would prevent another epidemic but that we can only reduce the risk.
His probe began after 18 people died and more than 500 were affected across central Scotland.
The Aberdeen University boffin looked edgy as he sat next to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth at the press conference.
And despite referring to the "light touch" of inspectors when dealing with some cases he rejected claims that they were to blame.
He also refused to debate the merits of an independent food agency.
He said: "We did not have either the information or the time to consider the agency in details."
Pennington and Forsyth both insisted they couldn't speak about Wishaw butcher John Barr for legal reasons.
He has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct over the outbreak.
Pennington's report calls for sweeping changes to food handling arrangements.
Everyone from primary school pupils to farm workers to abattoir staff will learn about basic food safety.
Supermarkets and corner shops will face strict new rules on display and preparation of raw and cooked meats.
Experts reckon the changes could cost some shops up to pounds 20,000 - and could push some small businesses to the wall.
Forsyth claimed: "I believe our food safety legislation and the arrangements for dealing with outbreaks need to reflect these new challenges."
But butchers and farmers were united in condemning Forsyth and Pennington.
Douglas Scott, former president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: "I would have thought there was an opportunity for a food safety advisory body.
"They have had long enough to think about it."
George Lyon, vice president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, backed him.
He fumed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent food safety agency. But where is it?
"We believe our beef beats the world and we want world-beating safety measures."
Families of the victims struck down by E Coli were also furious.
Fay McFarlane served up contaminated meat at their daughter's birthday party and guests were later struck down.
Last night she raged: "Everything that has been suggested should already be being done.
"It does not tell us ANYTHING about the Wishaw outbreak at all.
"I want to know whose responsibility that was."
Margaret McDowell, whose teenage son, Gary, was also struck down, added: "We still just do not know whose fault it was."
Former butcher Ian McFarlane, of Wishaw, whose partner Mary Cairns is still recovering from the bug, said the report was a "load of tripe".
He said Forsyth was wasting his time in promising that the recommendations would be adopted - because he would be out of a job within the next few weeks.
Ian added: "The only thing Mr Forsyth has to lose is his job. Eighteen people in this town lost their lives.
"His main concern is exporting beef back into Europe."
Last night, Forsyth agreed to introduce selective licensing for small Scots butchers in the aftermath of the Pennington Report.
It will affect smaller shops not covered by the 1994 meat hygiene regulations.
It's hoped these shops will be checked by environmental chiefs at least every six months and larger shops more frequently.
Forsyth warned: "Where requirements cannot be met, the licence would permit the sale of raw and pre-wrapped cooked ready-to-eat meat products prepared elsewhere and bought in."

KEY POINTS

* Farm workers should be educated on E Coli to ensure cattle are sent to abattoirs in the best possible condition.
* Dirty animals should be rejected by abattoirs.
* The Meat Hygiene Service will get additional powers to enforce the tough new rules on the transportation of cattle.
* Butchers and meat producers should adopt stricter controls on the handling of meat - and shop staff should be educated on the hazards.
* Cooked and raw meat must be kept completely separate, with separate utensils, refrigerators and even separate staff.
* Small firms which can't use separate staff can beat the new rules by installing sinks for handling the different foods in their premises.
* Firms which can't follow these guidelines face being banned from selling cooked meat products.
* More training should be offered to the public - including schoolkids - on food safety and hygiene.
* Local authorities should use their powers quicker and harder against offenders.
* Scottish Office health chiefs must improve monitoring to watch for new outbreaks.
* More cash should be pumped into research on the deadly bug.

**

Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Killer bug prof missed chance to save lives

Daily Record ,09/04/1997, p6 
by ROGER HANNAH, MAGNUS LLEWELLIN, DAVID THOMPSON, BILL CAVEN, CHARLIE GALL, 
SHAUN MILNE AND LESLEY WRIGHT 

The Tories were last night accused of putting private profits before public health.
After the Pennington report into the lethal E Coli bug demanded tougher hygiene controls, Shadow Scots Secretary George Robertson said the Government had been soft on safety to help the meat trade.
And he vowed Labour would set up an independent food safety agency to protect consumers.
Consumer watchdogs, farmers and meat producers also backed an agency, and criticised Professor Pennington for not supporting the idea himself.
The Government asked Aberdeen University expert Pennington to look at food safety, in the wake of the Lanarkshire E Coli outbreak which killed 18 people last year.
The food bug later killed three people in Arbroath, Angus.
Pennington calls for raw and cooked meat to be kept separately in shops, and for staff to be given better training.
He also wants a major effort to clean up slaughterhouses.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth backed all the recommendations, but snubbed calls for an agency.
Robertson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Government's betrayal of the health of the people.
"Their handling of E Coli, and their failure to take adequate preventative action, are the latest in a long line of failures which have put people's lives at risk.
"This report is a story of delay and a deliberate policy of lax enforcement."
He added: "We believe the case for an independent agency is unanswerable.
"The Tories propose only a part-time food safety adviser and a toothless food safety council."
Labour's plan for an agency is already being developed by Scots academic Professor Philip James.
Sheila McKechnie, director of the Consumers Association, said Pennington had missed "a great opportunity" to back an agency.
She warned: "There is still no mechanism to ensure the recommendations in his report are followed through.
"Real progress can be made only by an independent food agency."
She added: "We have a system of `Government knows best' in the form of the Ministry of Agriculture, where officials rarely understand the difference between public interest and industry concerns.
"It is secretive and closed. It cannot be reformed from within. It has betrayed public health for short-term gain."
Douglas Scott, past president of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, added his voice to calls for an independent watchdog.
And George Lyon, vice-president of the National Farmers Union of Scotland, stormed: "Most of the industry was behind an independent agency. But where is it?"
Frank Roy, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Motherwell and Wishaw in Lanarkshire, said the Govern-ment had "got to" Penning-ton since his interim report appeared in January.
And he accused Pennington of backing down over a recommendation that separate staff should be used to sell raw and cooked meats.
Roy said: "We've had to wait four months for this report, which is ridiculous, and now we get a watered- down version."
The SNP blasted the Tories for "a catalogue of failures".
Vice-chairman Andrew Welsh, whose constituency includes Arbroath, slammed the Government for not giving council environmental health officers enough money to do their jobs.
He added: "The SNP recognises the need for an independent agency, properly resourced.
"Without it, I think it unlikely the comprehensive and necessary measures in the Pennington report will ever be implemented."
Scottish Lib-Dem leader Jim Wallace said some of Pennington's recommendations were put forward TEN YEARS ago and ignored by the Government.
He accused the Tories of playing "Russian roulette" with public health, and added: "Critical recommendations have been sat on.
"The Tories' ill-founded attempts to save money in the short run is threatening lives."
At a news conference, Pennington insisted: "We did not have the information or the time to consider the agency in details.
"I am sure people are going to talk about it in the future."
And Forsyth said: "No agency could stop the occurrence of E Coli in cattle. It is a new phenomenon."
Pennington was not asked to pinpoint who was to blame for the Lanarkshire outbreak.
That point will be probed by a fatal accident inquiry.

**

Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Gimme 5, or else say angry viewers

Daily Record, 29/03/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

Channel 5 staff are bracing themselves for a million calls from angry viewers.
A special helpline looks set to be swamped by people who can't pick up the channel, which launches tomorrow.
But station bosses got a boost yesterday after it was revealed thousands more Scots than expected will be able to tune in.
Signals are beaming into more homes than predicted.
And Channel 5 chiefs urged people to try to tune in their sets well ahead of tomorrow evening's 6pm kick- off featuring the Spice Girls.
The channel predicted they will reach about 165,000 viewers in Scotland.
But technicians could put 15 per cent more homes in the picture than first hoped.
Spokesman David May said: "People should be able to pick up Channel 5 from Berwick to Ayr, Carlisle to Aberdeen and Inverness.
"But the north west and Highlands will probably miss out."
The helpline number is 0541 555 551.

**

Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Hibee Jim's ace of hearts

Daily Record, 28/03/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Heart op kid Steven D'Arcy keepers his spirits up yesterday with the help of Hibs star Jim Leighton.
Steven, five, even reckoned he could give Scotland goalie Jim a run for his money - but he might have to wait a year or two yet.
The lad met his idol at Hibs' Easter Road stadium and beamed: "He's the best goalie in the world."
Steven, of Prestonfield, Edinburgh, is waiting for a life-saving operation to plug a hole in his heart.
He has already had one op but needs more surgery, which was postponed three weeks ago because of a throat infection.
Yesterday though, Steven showed off his footballing skills against Jim.
The meeting was set up by Edinburgh L!VE TV.
Jim, who lines up for Scotland against Estonia tomorrow, was only too delighted to help. The keeper added: "He's a smashing wee lad. I think I've got a bit of competition there all right."

**

LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: LEAVE MOBY ALONE TO HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Daily Record, 26/03/1997, p11 
by By SHAUN MILNE

Experts trying to get stranded sperm whale Moby out of the Forth yesterday pleaded with people to leave him alone.
Just as it was thought the 40-ft whale was finally heading for the open seas, he was spotted swimming in circles off Leith.
But rescue co-ordinators say he should now be left to rest after six stress-filled days in the Forth.
They hope he'll make his way downstream but fear he'll just beach himself to die.
Whale expert Bob Reid said: "Three times it has been herded out and three times it has come back.
"It's chosen this area for a reason, whatever that may be, and who are we as human beings to drive it out?
"Maybe it's totally exhausted and wants to rest. That means it's harassment if we try to force it out.
"We should leave it and watch over the next few days to see what happens and if there's any change be flexible enough to have a rethink."
SSPCA inspector Mike Flynn said they fear Moby is ill but said there was no possibility of putting the beast out of its misery. He said: "You would need such a huge amount of drugs you would pollute the Forth.
"There is no humane way of killing it even if it comes ashore. It would die in four or five hours on its own."
If that happens a post mortem will be carried out.

**

ACID CLOUD TERROR

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: ACID CLOUD TERROR

Daily Record, 21/03/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne and Nick Britten

A deadly acid cloud brought terror to a town for the second time in a week yesterday.
Grangemouth was completely sealed off after a spill from chemical giants Zeneca.
Two people were rushed to hospital and a full emergency plan swung into operation.
Fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene and hospitals were on red alert.
Traffic ground to a standstill as all roads into the Stirlingshire town were blocked and people prepared to evacuate their homes.
Pensioner Vera Murray, 72, said: "It was like something out of the Blitz.
"It just shows in a town like this, with so many industrial plants, a small incident can wreak havoc."
Aluminium chloride escaped from the pigment factory pipes into the draining system.
Once mixed with water there, it formed a corrosive and potentially lethal gas.
A female cleaner suffering shock and a policeman who inhaled fumes were taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary. Last night, both were satisfactory.
A major probe was launched into the scare which broke out at 6.40am.
Four nightshifters working near the leak escaped unhurt. Within minutes, Zeneca bosses sealed off the plant and sent out gas detector vans to patrol the site.
As firefighters hosed down the building, police set up roadblocks on all routes to the town, causing huge tailbacks on the M9.
The all-clear was sounded two hours later.
Tom Shields, Zeneca works manager, said: "I cannot guarantee there was no danger to the public.
"We will take appropriate measures to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But last night the people of Grangemouth remained unconvinced.
Gran Isobel Love said: "This place is a timebomb."
"There is a warning siren in Grangemouth. Why on earth was it not sounded?
"If there was no danger to the public why did they block roads off and why are there people in hospital?
"And if they had to evacuate us how would they do it with traffic in such chaos?"
Bosses said the plant would open within 48 hours.
Last weekend, Zeneca tipped toxic waste into a sewage treatment works.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, already probing the first incident, dispatched officials to the scene yesterday.
Zeneca bosses could face jail over yesterday's scare.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they face an unlimited fine and up to three years in prison.

**

Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Cyclist Andy falls 40ft off bridge and grazes thumb!

Daily Record, 18/03/199, p7 
by Shaun Milne

A cyclist was thanking his lucky stars last night after cheating death.
Andrew Hawdon clipped a kerb, somersaulted over a 4ft bridge parapet, plunged 40ft on to rocks - and only grazed his thumb.
Mercy men said it was a "miracle" - while his relieved missus has vowed to ban him from ever getting in the saddle again.
Emergency crews using abseiling equipment spent over an hour trying to rescue Andrew, 52, after residents raised the alarm.
The amateur dramatics fan, of Drumbrae North, Edinburgh, was heading home on Sunday night after rehearsals of the play Tons of Money at the city's Churchill Theatre.
The financial adviser also narrowly missed spiked railings in the plunge at the Dean Bridge.
Wife Pat, 32, said: "He's been very, very lucky. Somebody up there was definitely looking after him.
"If he hadn't been wearing his cycle helmet I don't think he would be here now. It saved his life. Police said his bike is basically OK except for a buckled front wheel.
"But as you can imagine, I've got other thoughts on that. There's no way I'll be letting him ride a bike again."
Pat revealed it was the second serious accident Andrew had had on his bike. She added: "He broke his back when he fell off in a car park five years ago."
Andrew's daughter Penny, 16, burst into tears with relief when she saw her dad in hospital.
Fire brigade spokesman Gary Laing said: "It was truly a miracle escape, the most bizarre I have ever known.
"It appears the cyclist gathered speed on the hill approaching the bridge and didn't manage to take the sharp turning at the bottom."
An ambulance spokeswoman said: "We couldn't believe he escaped so lightly."
Andrew was hauled up through a window of a house overlooking the scene.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was still under observation last night.
The Tons of Money show is due to open tomorrow night, but it was unclear whether Andrew would still be taking part. 

**

Capital hit by diesel water scare

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Capital hit by diesel water scare

Daily Record, 15/03/1997, p1 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than 300,000 people were warned last night not to drink tap water after diesel was found in the supply.
Traces were found at a treatment works five miles south of Edinburgh.
And health chiefs warned anyone feeling unwell after drinking or washing in water should contact their GP.
More than 150,000 homes in the city and some outlying districts were affected.
It is understood the fuel leaked into the supply from a contractor's vehicle.
East of Scotland Water said a worker at the treatment plant spotted oil in the system and alerted bosses.
They diverted water so they could shut off affected systems and flush them out.
Emergency staff were working round the clock and warning leaflets were distributed.
But a spokeswoman for the company said: "The risk is minimal. It's a precautionary measure."

**

HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: HARRY, 72, DIES IN TOWERING INFERNO 
by STEPHEN RAFFERTY and SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner died screaming for help as his high-rise home was engulfed by flames.
A neighbour told yesterday how she saw Harry Mather on fire, staggering on to his eighth-floor balcony.
Amanda Duncan said: "It was very misty but I could still see a man standing on the balcony. He was shouting and screaming, `help me'.
"It looked as if he was trying to jump but couldn't get over his balcony. It was a terrible thing to see."
Amanda, 17, whose home looks on to the 14-storey block where Harry lived, was woken by his screams at around 5am .
She added: "By the time the firemen arrived, he had disappeared and flames were licking up the building."
Fire crews battled in vain to rescue 72-year-old Harry from the blaze at Capelaw Court in Edinburgh's Firrhill.
And other neighbours told how they feared for their lives as the blaze took hold.
Yvonne Todd, 28, who lives with daughters Amanda, seven, and five-year-old Rebecca, said:
"One of the cats jumping on the bed woke me. If it wasn't for that, we could be dead.
"The smoke was thick, making us gag."
Harry lived alone in the flat and locals said he was a popular man.
Nicky Stevens, 29, said: "He was a good neighbour. He would always stop and speak to the kids and often had a sweet for them."
Fire chiefs last night said the blaze was started by a dropped cigarette setting light to furniture.

**

BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: BABY DEAN BOUNCES OFF A BUS

The Mirror, 11/03/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Bouncing babe Dean Noble suffered just cuts and bruises after being struck by a coach.
The two-year-old survived even though he was hit head-on by the vehicle and could even be allowed home from hospital tomorrow.
The miraculous escape happened on Sunday night after he wandered into the path of an Intercity Express coach at Danderhall, Edinburgh.
He was rushed by ambulance to the city's Sick Kids hospital with blood streaming out of wounds to his head.
As he recovered from the horrific ordeal last night, relieved mum Tracie, 23, sobbed: "I can't believe he's still here."
Doctors put four staples into his head to seal cuts and butterfly stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Tracie, from Union Place, Edinburgh, added: "Apart from that he's fine. He's been so, so lucky. I just can't believe it happened.
"We were at the bus stop and I was trying to fold a pushchair up. When I turned round he was on the road.
"The bus just hit him, it carried him along for a bit then just threw him to the side. All I could do was scream.
"The traffic stopped and there were people all around me, I don't know who, because all I could think of was just to talk to him."
Police investigating the accident said they had no plans to bring any charges against the coach driver.

**

Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Mrs Mopps bale out bungling Navy chiefs

Daily Record, 05/03/1997, p3 
by SHAUN MILNE

Six Mrs Mopps sailed to the rescue of one of the country's most up-to-date warships.
They climbed aboard after bungling Navy chiefs tried to cast off without enough crew.
Plans to put Type 42 destroyer HMS Newcastle through sea trials after a £27 million refit at Rosyth dockyard were almost sunk when the crisis surfaced.
But cleaners from Fife-based Aadvark Cleaning Company saved the day by plunging for a life on the ocean wave. A Navy spokesman yesterday blamed staff cuts for the farce, but insisted the rookie sailors helped to keep everything ship-shape.
The six women, who each received a £20 weekly bonus, had separate quarters during their six-week stint.
They laid out tables, did the washing up and tidied in the dining halls.
Mum-of-two Liz Henry, 44, from Rosyth, said: "None of us had ever been to sea before on a warship so when they put the idea to us a few months ago we thought we would give it a bash.
"It's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. It was really quite exciting."
Jackie Healy, 18, from Dunfermline was already thinking about joining the Navy and hopes to pursue that career following her stint at sea.
She said: "I've really enjoyed being on board. It's been a laugh."
All six had to complete sea survival and fire fighting training before being allowed aboard.
They also had to cope with storms while the ship completed trials off the south coast operating out of Portsmouth.
Their boss, Rod Currie, said: "It's the first time this has happened as far as I know, but hopefully it's something that will happen again.
"They're a really good bunch and were treated well by the Navy."
HMS Newcastle, normally boasting a crew of 240, was yesterday back on duty without its new-found passengers.
A Navy spokesman admitted there was a problem staffing ships out of action, saying: "All three armed forces are suffering from a fall off in levels of recruitment."

**

Butcher business as usual

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Butcher business as usual

Daily Record, 28/02/1997, p4 
by Peter Laing and Shaun Milne

A second butcher's shop linked to the latest E Coli scare was still open for business yesterday.
Charles Wilson's continued selling meat as tests were being carried out on samples taken away by health chiefs.
The Edinburgh shop was supplied with meat by the butcher at the centre of the scare - James Anderson's in Leith, which closed on Monday.
Both outlets are owned by brothers John and Gordon Henderson.
Environmental health officers have so far found nothing to link Wilson's with any of the reported cases of infection.
But it could be a WEEK before any new cases do emerge .
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council's health team said: "We have taken samples from a second shop and they are currently being investigated.
"It takes three to five days for results to come through, not because of any delay, but simply because that's how long it takes.
"At the moment there is no evidence or proof that Wilson's is tied in to any cases. It's up to the owner to decide whether he closes it or not."
The number of confirmed E Coli cases in the Leith outbreak rose to seven yesterday - and six of them ate cold meat from Anderson's.
Three are being treated in hospital and one - a 72-year-old woman - is said to be seriously ill.
The other confirmed cases include a 12-year-old girl.
There are also six suspected cases, including a one-year-old baby.
Two adults are being treated in Edinburgh's City Hospital.
The Record tried to ask the Henderson brothers why Wilson's was still open - but they were "not available for comment"
We also wanted to speak to them about the collapse of John Henderson's family firm which crashed just over a year ago.
It collapsed in October 1995 owing £350,000 to suppliers and pounds 300,000 to the Government and banks.
John Henderson Butcher Ltd was wound up by court order in December 13 1995, almost seven years after it was set up.
Liquidators found assets worth £80,000, but that went to the Government and banks.
The people who supplied meat, machinery and other services are unlikely ever to see their money.
The company operated at least six shops in the Edinburgh and West Lothian area.
John Henderson was a director of the firm, along with 51-year-old Gordon.
They were also directors of another six firms that either dissolved or went into liquidation in 1995 and 1996.
They were called Henderson's Pies, Charles Wilson Butcher, Deutymous, Dunwilco, Mardin and Assetbatch.
Neither John, who lives in a large detached home in Edinburgh's Grange district, nor Gordon, who lives in the Colinton area, was available to talk to the Record.
But an industry source said the six firms ran into trouble as a result of the BSE crisis.
The brothers are still directors of two firms - Geoframe Ltd and Geoframe 1995.
Geoframe own the shops in Leith and Corstorphine.
The Record revealed yesterday that John Henderson at first told investigators that Anderson's didn't provide meat to other shops.
But he HAD supplied meat produce to the Corstorphine shop run by his brother.
Labour's consumer spokesman Nigel Griffiths said last night: "It is unbelievable that we have a re-run of the Barr case in Wishaw, where risky products stayed on sale.
"It shows a crisis in the way the Scottish Office and health authorities deal with these incidents."

**

Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Health bosses kept in dark by E Coli butcher 
Daily Record, 27/02/1997, p2 
by Shaun Milne and Peter Laing

The butcher at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak failed to reveal that a SECOND shop of his was selling potentially infected meat.
The first store, James Anderson's in Leith, Edinburgh, is suspected of being the source of the bug and has been closed. Its boss, John Henderson, also owns the Charles Wilson butchers in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
That shop was still open yesterday - despite being supplied by Anderson's.
Health chiefs said Henderson had changed his story to them.
And they urged customers to bin pies, sausage rolls and potted meat bought from the Charles Wilson store.
Henderson's James Anderson shop in Junction Street has been shut since Monday.
It's at the centre of the latest E Coli outbreak which has made five people ill, including a 12- year-old girl.
The case is a chilling echo of Britain's worst-ever E Coli epidemic which killed 18 people. John Barr butchers in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, were closed in the alert.
But it was several days before his products were cleared from shelves in other outlets.
Last night, there was fury that Henderson's second shop could go on trading.
Trading standards chief Eric Robinson said: "On Friday, we asked whether he supplied any other food outlets with ready- to-eat cooked meat products. The answer was no."
But during an inspection of the Corstorphine premises yesterday, a member of staff admitted Anderson's did supply them with pies, sausage rolls and potted meat.
Robinson said: "We questioned Mr Henderson again today and he admitted yes, he did supply them and he didn't tell us at first."
Lothian Health Board then issued a statement, advising: "Purely as a precautionary measure, anyone who has bought any of these products from Wilson's should dispose of them."
Henderson refused to comment last night.
A city council spokesman said: "At the moment there is no proof Wilson's is tied to any of the cases.
"It's up to the owner if he closes."
Meanwhile, it was revealed one of the latest victims in the Edinburgh outbreak is a home help.
Carole Conroy, of Elgin Street, works at the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.

**

CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: CHOCOLATE BEER AIMED AT OUR KIDS

Daily Record, 21/02/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A new chocolate-flavoured beer could tempt more of our kids into boozing, it was claimed last night.
Anne Furst of the Scottish Council on Alcohol said: "If the flavour of this proves attractive to 15 to 17-year-olds, it will be a matter of real concern."
And furious Catholic Church spokesman Father Tom Connelly hit out: "This is just another danger to our young people.
"Hopefully those who have been against alcopops will zoom in quickly to stop it."
The Daily Record has campaigned against drinks designed to appeal to kids because of their sweet taste. It's feared many youngsters will see Young's Double Chocolate Stout as a natural progression from drinks like Hooch.
The beer, made from chocolate essence and malt by London-based brewers Young's, is as strong as designer lager.
Off-licence chain Oddbins expect to have it in stock in some of their shops next Monday. Asda are also awaiting supplies.
The beer will be launched in pubs and clubs on March 17, backed by an aggressive marketing campaign timed to coincide with Easter.
Young's spokesman Michael Hardman said: "It's got a beautiful chocolate colour and flavour.
"The best chocolate doesn't come in the shape of eggs or rabbits this Easter, but in widgets and bottles."

**

RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: RALLY STAR IN DEATH CRASH

Daily Record, 18/02/1997, p14 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots rally ace was killed after his high-speed car ploughed into a tree.
Navigator Richard Paterson, 22, was airlifted to hospital following the accident on Sunday but was dead on arrival.
Driver Lydia Calder, 42, of Ettrick Bridge, near Selkirk, suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.
Richard's distraught dad Jim said: "We're trying to put it down to the fact he died doing the sport he loved but it's very difficult."
Richard and Lydia had been taking part in the RAC Cheviot Rally in Elsdon, Northumberland, when tragedy struck.
They were travelling at speeds of up to 100mph when their car hit a cattle grid and somersaulted through the air.
Richard, of Penicuik, Midlothian, linked up with Lydia three years ago and won the Scottish 1400 Tarmac Championship last year.
Lydia's shattered husband Ken said last night: "We're still in shock. Robert was like a son to us."
"Lydia's taken it very badly. They had a great rapport."

**

YOU'RE BARRED

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: YOU'RE BARRED

Daily Record, 17/02/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A boys' football team have been banned from playing at home because their goals are three FEET too small.
Now Anvil Amateur Football Club say they may be forced to disband.
The nets at Midlothian Council's Waverley Park pitches in Bonnyrigg measure just 21ft by 7ft, instead of 24ft by 8ft.
It was the scene of Anvil's shock 7-3 Scottish Cup victory over favourites Broomhall BC from Edinburgh in November.
Broomhall later complained about the goal size .
It was the first complaint in a dismal two-and-a-half season run for Anvil. They've only won a handful of games.
League chiefs inspected the posts and banned Anvil from staging any home games in the Lothian Federation Boys' League at the park.
The stunned club say the extra travelling to "home" games at Rosewell and Newtongrange means they may have to fold - and upset 40 youngsters on their books.
Club leader Danny Grant said it's just "red tape".
He added: "We've got laddies here aged between nine and 12 who just want to play football. It's supposed to be a fun thing. We actually lose most home games."
The ban comes amid a Scottish Football Association drive to use smaller pitches to develop young talent.
Danny added: "All we're doing is what the SFA have been encouraging, but we're being penalised for it."
Bonnyrigg councillor Bill Geddes said Waverley Park is a three-quarter size pitch but there are full size ones at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg and at Lasswade.

**

Doctors won't treat sick vandals

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Doctors won't treat sick vandals

Daily Record, 14/02/1997, p32 
By SHAUN MILNE

Sickened doctors are refusing to treat teenage vandals and their families.
Thugs have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at Danderhall Health Centre, in Midlothian.
And now medics say they will ban them.
Already one family have been struck from their list.
Senior partner Dr Dawn Westwood said: "It's just been a constant stream of vandalism for the past three and a half years.
"Now we're considering putting up fences and installing video cameras.
"We have to consider everything to bring a stop to this."
She added: "It would be too awkward having to treat someone who we know is damaging our property.
"If one member of a family is banned then the whole of the family will be removed. That's our policy."
Attacks have included paint being daubed on walls, bins being set on fire and pipes being broken from the walls.
And hooligans used diesel to set fire to the back of the centre and the car park.
Dr Westwood said: "Money we've had to pay out could be getting used for the health care of our patients.
"We're aware that it's only a minority of people who are doing this, but it's a sad reflection on them."
A spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "These distractions take doctors away from patient care."

**

Pay up - or sleep rough

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Pay up - or sleep rough

The Mirror, 12/02/1997, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Scots council is BANNING homeless people from being re-housed if they owe council tax cash.
But the get tough tactics are being slammed by Shelter Scotland who claim Midlothian Council could be acting illegally.
And they are vowing to take it to court to demand it ditches the policy.
Midlothian is refusing to re-house people who have council tax or rent arrears.
And it is blocking mutual house exchanges involving debtors in an attempt to claw back around pounds 3.9million of debt.
Social services convener Sam Campbell said: "The council has a clear policy where people who are in arrears must clear that debt before they can be rehoused."
But Shelter argue that Council Tax, unlike rent, has nothing to do with people's entitlement to council housing.
Spokeswoman Tricia Marwick said: "Council Tax pays for things like education and social work - but not housing.
"There's no suggestion from Midlothian that they should withdraw education or home help services from people in arrears.
"That would cause uproar and quite rightly so, so is it right then for the council to act this way over housing?"
But last night a Midlothian spokeswoman said: "The council's responsibility is to find homeless people accommodation.
"If they are housed in temporary accommodation they would remain in that until their debts were cleared."

**

How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: How can I tell Alex his dad wanted him dead?

Daily Record, 12/02/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum yesterday hugged her baby and relived the terrifying night she feared they would be burnt alive by her ex.
Jacqueline Nimmo asked: "How am I going to tell my wee boy his dad wanted him dead?"
She and three-month-old son Alex escaped an inferno by seconds after evil Stewart Wallace torched their flat as they slept.
Wallace was seeking revenge after fed-up Jacqueline reported him to the Child Support Agency.
The 28-year-old mum, from Southhouse, Edinburgh, said: "The police kept asking me if it could have been Stewart.
"I was telling them `No, he wouldn't do anything like that'.
"There hadn't been a big argument or anything. It must have been a spur of the moment thing.
"But I couldn't believe he would do that."
Jacqueline added: "I was terrified, the whole thing was a nightmare.
"The flames were all around the front door, I couldn't get out. I phoned 999 and went back towards the door.
"But the flames came ripping along the hall and forced me back.
"I could hardly breathe because there was thick smoke everywhere. Eventually I managed to get out.
"I was told if I'd waited even a couple of minutes more, I'd have fallen unconscious and would be dead along with Alex.
"I just grabbed him and was shouting for help, screaming for anybody."
Jacqueline fled to a second floor balcony with Alex as flames engulfed the home.
Wallace, 27, who split up with Jacqueline last year, set fire to the front door after dousing it in petrol.
Then he sloped off into the darkness as the flames took hold.
Mercy crews joined neighbours in trying to rescue the trapped pair, plucking them to safety from the balcony still in their nightclothes.
Police launched an investigation into the blaze and the finger quickly pointed towards Wallace.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Wallace, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, admitted carrying out the early morning attack.
It devastated the Southhouse Crescent flat last October.
Originally charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to wilful fire- raising and will be sentenced next month.
But Jacqueline told the Record: "He deserves to go to jail for what he tried to do.
"He should definitely have been charged with attempted murder.
"If it wasn't attempted murder then why didn't he try to save us?
"I don't feel anything for him, except anger."

**

Demo brings city to a halt

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Demo brings city to a halt

Daily Record, 07/02/1997, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

Angry council workers brought a city centre to a standstill yesterday.
Hundreds of park keepers used scores of council trucks to bring traffic grinding to a halt outside Edinburgh City Council chambers.
They sounded their vehicle horns and jeered councillors arriving for meetings.
The demo was over plans to put garden maintenance contracts out to tender.
Public service union Unison claim that adds up to "privatisation", putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Union convener Charlie McInally said: "If this service goes private the people of Edinburgh will be entitled to accuse the council of knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing."
Fellow convener George Lee told councillors that workers were not afraid of competition, but feared they were being stabbed in the back by their employers.
And he accused the ruling Labour group of political rhetoric in arguing against compulsory contract tendering then doing a U-turn.
But council leader Keith Geddes said he sympathised with the demonstrators and blamed the Scottish Office for forcing them into "difficult" decisions.

**

Boss found hanged in Tesco

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Boss found hanged in Tesco

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Horrified shop workers found the body of their boss hanging in a storeroom early yesterday.
They made the grim discovery just after 2am in the Tesco supermarket.
James Millar, 26, was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
Last night, shattered wife Elaine was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which happened at the Tesco branch in Edinburgh's Nicolson Street.
She said: "I don't know all the ins and outs of it yet, but someone from Tesco is coming to see me later.
"I really don't feel up to talking about it."
A Tesco spokesman confirmed night manager James, from West Pilton Drive, was found by colleagues.
He added: "Staff at the store are refusing counselling and support from trained personnel.
"We obviously send our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man."
One worker, who didn't want to be named, said: "The guys went on their first break and he did it then. It's awful."
A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

**

Samaritan run down saving a tit

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Samaritan run down saving a tit

Daily Record, 31/01/1997, p33 
by SHAUN MILNE

An animal lover tried to rescue an injured bird from a busy road.
And it landed good samaritan Terry Garvey in hospital.
For the 58-year-old was clobbered by a car as he tried to save the tiny blue tit.
Insurance firm worker Terry was taken to hospital in Edinburgh with a broken leg.
And yesterday his wife Mary said: "He's always doing things like that. He's a big softie at heart."
At home in Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, Mary told how the accident happened in Craigleith Road, Edinburgh.
She said: "Terry said he'd been driving along when he saw a little bird fluttering on the road. So he pulled over to try to help it.
"He picked it up and turned round to see this car coming at him. And that was it, really.
"I know he is in a lot of pain, but I'm sure he would do the same thing again."
Mary said she didn't know what happened to the bird.
She added: "He's quite sensitive and is always doing things like that if he sees injured animals on the road.
"I think he'll be quite embarrassed about this."
Terry, who had a metal pin put in his leg, was expected to stay in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for several days.

**

OWEN GOAL!

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: OWEN GOAL!

Daily Record, 24/01/1997, p3 
by JOHN DINGWALL and SHAUN MILNE

Former Take That heart-throb Mark Owen had screaming girl fans spinning yesterday as he turned DJ.
The pop idol battled through a frenzied crowd outside Forth FM in Edinburgh, where he helped on the Darren Adam breakfast show.
And later, he revealed to the Record that he wants to play at T in the Park.
Adoring fans came from all over Scotland to see Mark.
They waited in freezing temperatures and belted out Happy Birthday for the singer, who is 25 on Monday.
Julie Roberts, 18, from Leith, said: "Seven of us have been here since midnight. I got to meet him and right now I'm the happiest girl alive.
"He was really, really sweet but that's just Mark. He'd come out to see us if it was minus 100 degrees."
Mary Gardner, 22, from Milngavie, near Glasgow, said: "Even though Take That have split up Scotland hasn't forgotten him"
Mark, who releases his new single, Clementine, on February 3, told the Record: "I'm surprised by the like to thank them, it's brill."
And he revealed plans for tour dates in Scotland around May or June. He added: "I was here last year for T in the Park and I thought it would be great to play it one day."

**

SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: SALLY ANN'S HASH OF IT

Daily Record, 23/01/1997, p9 
By SHAUN MILNE

The Salvation Army were rapped yesterday for selling fragrant oils smelling of CANNABIS.
Anti-drug groups branded the charity "irresponsible" for stocking the scent.
The "cannabis oil" was being sold at £1.30 a bottle in the Salvation Army's shop in Dalry Road, Edinburgh - yards from a primary school.
Staff stressed the oil DIDN'T contain cannabis - it just gave off a similar smell as it burned. They said they'd been inundated with orders since it went on sale.
And they liked the aroma so much they'd even been burning the oil in their shop.
But a spokesman for Scotland Against Drugs said: "It's irresponsible of such an august charity to be selling a product that even has connotations with cannabis.
"We have to be concerned that a youngster might see this on sale, think it's cannabis and be tempted to experiment. I hope they take it off the shelves immediately."
And last night, after the Daily Record stepped in, the Salvation Army said they had stopped selling the oil.
Nick Morton, who's in charge of their charity shops, said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
"We bought the oil in good faith but it has now been withdrawn from sale."
A spokesman for suppliers AF & AF Ltd, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, said: "There's no cannabis in it at all - it's just the name.
"It's quite popular and we sell a fair amount."

**

Junkies rule this prison

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Junkies rule this prison

Daily Record, 17/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Drug gangs are battling it out for control of one of Scotland's most notorious jails.
Warders and cons at Edinburgh's overcrowded Saughton Prison have been viciously attacked as the evil dealers fight for supremacy.
And yesterday Clive Fair-weather, Scotland's chief prison inspector, admitted the situation was now "gang warfare".
He revealed: "Edinburgh guys are bashing the ones from Fife and so on. It is a problem."
Figures released yesterday revealed 38 prisoners and two officers had been seriously assaulted in just 12 months.
And many of the attacks involved knives or other weapons.
Fairweather said: "We suspect, though it is very difficult to prove, that many of these were drug-related in some way."
The prison's new governor, Alec Spencer, also admitted there was a problem.
He said: "We do recognise drugs are an issue in prison.
"They use drugs as a sort of bartering and put contracts on each other.
"People have debts to sort out or grievances to resolve."
Heroin, temazepam, speed and cannabis have all been found in cons' blood following random drug tests.
Anda shocking 65 per cent of those caught have been found to be using again within six months of their first positive result.
Dr Mike Ryan, medical consultant to prison inspectors, called for Saughton to set up drug-free areas for "clean" prisoners.
He said: "If people in prison really want to give up drugs then we must give them that opportunity."
Fairweather said that the chronic overcrowding meant Saughton was "just managing to get by".
Last year the jail was the worst for overcrowding in Scotland with 53 per cent more prisoners locked up than the Victorian buildings were designed for.

**

Being pictured with me could wreck your image

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Being pictured with me could wreck your image

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Ian Dow

Prince Charles yesterday posed for a photo with a schoolboy and warned him: "This might be bad for your image."
He cracked the joke on his first visit to Scotland since polls showed we wanted to dump the monarchy.
Hardly anyone turned out on the streets of Edinburgh to see the prince. Gavin Johnstone, 16, tried to do his bit for royal morale by asking Charles to have his picture taken with him and his pals from Castlebrae High School, Edinburgh.
The prince told him: "Yes - no problem."
And Gavin revealed: "He asked if I was sure I wanted to go in the picture with him, saying it might be bad for my image."
The schoolboy added: "I always thought he would be dull, but he wasn't as boring as I thought. He just seemed like an ordinary person.
"But he's got a bad reputation and I think the throne should skip a generation and go straight to William."
Gavin met Charles at an education seminar - backed by the Prince's Trust - in the city's international conference centre.
And he didn't find much favour among the other pupils.
Pauline Agnew, 15, of St Michael's Academy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, said: "I don't think he should be king at all.
"I'm not in favour of a monarchy and I think Scotland should be independent."
In last week's polls - by the Daily Record and ITV - most Scots came out against the royals and said they didn't want Charles as king.
A majority in the Record survey said they would prefer to see William on the throne.
Charles has now brought in a team of advisers to boost his flagging popularity and yesterday he tried his best to curry favour with Scots.
He said: "I love coming to Edinburgh. It's certainly a very special place - what I consider to be one of the most wonderful cities in Britain, if not THE most wonderful.
"It has a very special atmosphere and it certainly warms my spirits coming here today."
Charles had two other engagements in the capital - the unveiling of road improvements in the Royal Mile, and the opening of a tartan museum in Princes Street.
Police had erected crash barriers to control the crowds - but they needn't have bothered.
Very few people were there to greet the prince, and most of those who did turn up were tourists.
The one moment of excitement came when he went on an impromptu walkabout in Princes Street.
And he managed to find at least one fan before being whisked away by his panicky security guards.
Helen Mowatt, 72, from Edinburgh, said: "He shook my hand but I can't remember what he said. I was far too excited.
"And I think a lot of the things being said about him are very unfair. He's a right charmer."
But elsewhere, it was difficult to find many supporters of the Royal Family.
Even the man who piped him into the new tartan museum wasn't a fan.
But Pipe Major Iain Grant, 46, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Scots Guards, had this advice for Charles: Follow your sister's example.
He said: "His attitude to a lot of things has got to change.
"He's got to think before he speaks and loosen up a bit. If he does that the Scottish people might warm to him.
"He's too stiff. Princess Anne is much more pleasant and has a far warmer presence. He should take some advice from her."
Last night, SNP leader Alex Salmond challenged the other political parties to look at constitutional change.
He said: "If the monarchy is to remain relevant north of the Border, it can only be on a reformed basis.
"The monarchy must be with the people - not above the people."

**

Woman is killed by brain bug

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Woman is killed by brain bug

Daily Record, 14/01/1997, p5 
by Shaun Milne

A woman in her 40s has died of meningitis just hours after being rushed to hospital.
She is the third person in Fife to contract the killer bug within the last few days.
And health chiefs in Lothian said yesterday a further seven cases had been reported in their area over the past week.
But last night Lothian Health Board tried to play down the infections, saying the number of cases was normal for the time of year.
Fife Health Board refused to name the dead woman, from Kincardine, but confirmed that she had died at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
A boy aged five and a 10-month-old baby boy, both from Kirkcaldy, were also being treated for the infection at the town's Victoria Hospital and are said to be responding well.
Dr Charles Saunders, Fife's public health consultant, said: "Even though we've had two other cases of meningitis since last Friday, the number is not significantly higher than we would expect."
Lothian's public health consultant Dr Pauline Upton also said cases were normally highest at this time of year.
But she also warned that people should be on the lookout for the signs of the bug, including fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and unusual drowsiness.

**

Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Anger at toy for crushed bed boy

Daily Record, 13/01/1997, p21 
by Shaun Milne

A two-year-old boy who was crushed after a bunk-bed split has been offered a TEDDY BEAR as compensation.
And yesterday his furious mum blasted the offer from the suppliers.
Tammy Fern said: "I don't want toys from them. My son could have been killed.
"I just want to make sure no one else's child is hurt."
Son Josh was left with a broken leg after his sister Amy, seven, fell through the top bunk and landed on top of him.
The wooden frame of the bed split at the family's home in Linkwood Drive, Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Amy escaped unhurt but Josh had to be rushed to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, where he was kept in overnight for treatment to head and back injuries, as well as his broken leg.
Bosses at catalogue firm Empire Stores, who sent out the pounds 350 bed, are examining the bunks for faults.
Company secretary William Oakes said: "We are deeply sorry to learn of the injuries suffered by the child and we have arranged to send a large teddy bear to try to cheer him up."
But Tammy, 24, said that was not good enough.
She added: "I was told by the doctors at Yorkhill that Josh was a lucky, lucky boy. The wood was that sharp it could have pierced his chest."
Mr Oakes said Empire Stores were sending the family a set of metal bunkbeds.
He added: "To my knowledge, we have not had a problem in this product."

**

Factory family left to face the dole

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Factory family left to face the dole

Daily Record, 11/01/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

A mum and her three sons will be thrown on the dole when the plant shuts.
The Dowson family, from Shawhead, Coatbridge, was devastated by the news.
Last night, Anna, 54, and her sons Gerry, Brian and Martin were facing up to life without a job.
Fighting back tears, senior shop steward Anna told how she had forced management to come clean about the rumours.
She said: "They took just five minutes to tell us. I blame the directors.
"I'm not just speaking for the workforce, I'm speaking for the whole of Coatbridge.
"I'm devastated. I've worked here for 14 years - I never thought it could end like this."
Dad-of-four Gerry, 30, a process worker, added: "It's only pounds 4.30 minimum and isn't the greatest job, but conditions are okay.
"I'll have to get another job - but where?"
Martin, 25, has two sons including a new baby.
He said "We couldn't believe it but they'll get a fight out of this factory that's for sure."
Brian has worked for the firm for more than six years.
He said: "It will be a lot worse for some of the boys, who are 40 or older.
"How are they supposed to get work now?"
Other shell-shocked workers said they had expected some job losses but never dreamed the factory would be ripped from the heart of the community.
And one claimed that only two days ago they were told new orders were coming in and they'd be rushed off their feet.
She added: "Obviously they're now transferring all that work to Edinburgh."
Scott Logue, 20, from Bilston, said: "I signed for a pounds 32,000 mortgage yesterday. I don't know what I'm going to do."
The bad news came as an unwanted birthday present for Pat Brady, from Chapelhall.
He said: "When I phoned my wife she thought I was joking. She still does. I don't know how she'll take it."
Workmate Kevin Flood, 34, from Whifflet, added: "We'll fight to keep it open. That's all we can do now."

**

Shankly tribute in doubt

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Shankly tribute in doubt

Daily Record, 10/01/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A tribute to soccer legend Bill Shankly has been thrown into chaos by the Post Office.
Around 15,000 Liverpool fans were expected to turn up to see a bust of "Shanks" unveiled in his birthplace, the Ayrshire village of Glenbuck.
East Ayrshire Council, Liverpool FC and a host of other groups have been involved in the planning.
But Network 5 Video Productions, key financiers of the trip, say it could be cancelled - because the Royal Mail accidentally "deleted" their PO Box number.
The Liverpool firm could go bust after orders and payments were returned to senders following the blunder.
Cash supposed to go towards the trip from sales of a Shankly video may have to be used to pay bills instead.
Manager Maurice Alexander said: "Unless Royal Mail come through with compensation then we don't know if the trip's on."
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said they were aware of the problem.
A Post Office spokesman said it was an administrative mistake and investigations were being carried out.

**

Cops' fury at drink drive shock

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Cops' fury at drink drive shock

Daily Record, 04/01/1997, p4 
by SHAUN MILNE

Gutted police chiefs yesterday slammed a rise in drink drive figures despite a massive blitz on the bevvy merchants.
Figures released yesterday showed the number of people drink driving over New Year was 22 per cent up on the previous year.
The RAC said the figures showed more had to be done to stop the "hard core" putting lives at risk.
From Hogmanay until yesterday 62 drivers were caught drink driving compared to only 51 during the same period last year.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said they were disappointed at the rise but said more people had been tested.
A spokesman added: "It is still ridiculous that 62 people were willing to risk their own and other people's lives.
"Amid the publicity of this year's campaign, it beggars belief that anyone would still drink and drive."
There was some cheer in the figures which showed only a tiny 0.23 per cent of the 4658 drivers stopped failed the breath tests.
But the RAC's head of campaigns Edmund King said the police now needed stronger powers to deal with the problem.
He said: "There is support among the motoring public for police to do more so there is hope for the future."

**

Cops close in on killer

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Cops close in on killer

Daily Record, 19/05/1997, p6 
By SHAUN MILNE

Police believe they are close to solving one of Scotland's longest running murder mysteries.
Detectives have recently questioned 10 people in connection with the killing of Aileen Printie in 1981.
They included a 32-year-old local man they suspect is the killer.
It's believed the man had a record of housebreakings in the Longstone area of Edinburgh close to the time 31-year-old Aileen was killed.
She had been robbed and bludgeoned with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
The suspect was released without charge, but police said they were confident charges would follow.
Detective Superintendent George Brown said: "We certainly had enough evidence to bring this male in as a suspect.
"The thrust of our inquiry is now drawn on the person we had in. He was through our system at the time as a young man and obviously that will be preying on his mind."
He added: "The case has been reported to the procurator fiscal and I'm hopeful of getting a warrant for his arrest for the murder fairly soon."

** 

A chip off the old ballcock!

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: A chip off the old ballcock!

Daily Record, 27/05/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne Exclusive

A dad delivered his daughter in a toilet - 28 years after he was born the same way.
Dean Howes turned midwife when girlfriend Susan Cosgrove, 30, went into labour.
The forklift truck driver kept his cool to deliver the couple's first child.
After getting Susan and daughter Bethany home last night from hospital - where they were taken after the birth - he beamed: "It's just the best feeling in the world, I'm so happy.
"I've never seen a birth before never mind do one. I just knew I was the only one who could help."
Susan started having contractions on Thursday at home in Craigshill, Livingston, West Lothian. By 9pm, they knew the baby wasn't going to wait for an ambulance.
An hour later Bethany - weighing just 4lb 13oz - let out her first cries in the toilet after a little help from dad.
He said: "My mum had to deliver me at home by herself.
"I told Susan to give it one big push and when she did the baby's body just fell out into my arms.
"She wasn't breathing and for a second we thought we were going to lose her.
"Then I remembered my mum telling me how I needed a slap to make me breathe - so that's what I did."
Susan said: "Dean was amazing, I fell in love with him all over again. We let the ambulancemen cut the cord. I think Dean had done enough."
An ambulanceman said: "We congratulate Dean on the cool, calm and collected way he carried out the delivery."

**

CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: CLIMBER COP DIES IN 400ft HILL PLUNGE

Daily Record, 29/05/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

A policeman died yesterday when he plunged 400ft during a climbing outing.
Sergeant Graham Munro was on the way down when the accident happened.
The 46-year-old stumbled, then overbalanced because of his heavy backpack.
He died instantly in the fall on 3345ft Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Tragedy struck as the eight-man team headed down the popular Curved Ridge route from a rock pinnacle called Crowberry Tower.
An RAF helicopter flew to the scene with members of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. Leader John Grieve was winched down with a paramedic.
Grieve said: "Two of his friends had climbed down beside him by the time we got there but it was pretty obvious he was dead.
"It was absolutely excellent weather, as good as you are going to get. They were descending a part where there's one little step that is quite difficult.
"He slipped and just couldn't stop himself.
"It so happened there's a 400ft vertical facing and he went the whole way and landed in the gully."
Colleagues of the dad-of-two, from Clarkston, Glasgow, were said to be "stunned" by his death.
Senior officers yesterday visited the family of the keep-fit enthusiast, a former member of Strathclyde Police Mountain Rescue Team.
The force's chief constable, John Orr, said: "It is with deep regret that we have learned of the tragic and untimely death of Sergeant Graham Munro.
"He was a highly experienced officer and popular with his colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

**

Pervert forced out by hate mob

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Pervert forced out by hate mob

Daily Record, 30/05/1997, p29 
by Shaun Milne

An angry mob forced a sick pervert to flee his home under police escort last night.
Twisted Michael McGowan, 26, was bundled into a police van and whisked away to a secret address.
McGowan kept his head bowed as he ran a gauntlet of hate.
A baying mob of more than 300 mums, dads, grannies and grandads descended on his home in Redbrae Road, Kirkintilloch.
He was to live there for three weeks, awaiting sentence for abusing kids near his old home in Renton, Dumbartonshire.
One banner last night read "No more Innocent Kids - Perverts Out" as passing drivers blasted their car horns in support.
Five police cars sealed off the street while a dozen officers tried to hold back the crowd.
As McGowan was led out to a van by police, men and woman shouted "Beast!", "Pervert!" and "Scum!" and let out a huge cheer when he was driven away.
Father of two John Smith, 33, who lives a few doors away from McGowan and helped organise the demo, said: "He's a pervert and the whole town knows it.
"If he comes back so will we and things will be much, much worse."
And grandmother Lilian Jenkins, 54, said: "We want to make sure no perverts feel safe here."
Some parents said they fear Kirkintilloch has become a dumping ground for perverts.

**

I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: I saw the blade cut into Leslie's throat

Daily Record, 03/06/1997, p7 
By SHAUN MILNE

An eyewitness yesterday relived the terrible DIY accident which killed a young dad.
William Ferguson watched in horror as a blade on an electric saw shattered and sliced open his nephew Leslie Pilling's throat.
He said: "One minute he was there, and then the next he wasn't. We just can't believe it.
"The blade just disintegrated into pieces and a bit went right into his neck. It severed the arteries."
William's wife Elsie, a trained nurse, battled in vain to save his life.
Leslie, 22, was using the hand-held saw to help his best pal, Joe Johnson, cut coping stones.
His dad, also Leslie, was there as well and he could only look on helplessly as his son lay dying.
Last night, the whole family, including the dead man's wife, Tracey, 25, were under heavy sedation.
Leslie, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, was a dad of three.
He had two kids of his own - eight-month-old Chloe and Callum, aged 17 months - and was guardian of Kyle, seven.
William, 46, said: "Tracey has been sedated because she is in a terrible state.
"We're all absolutely devastated and can't take it in at all.
"Such a young man taken like that is horrific. He's left three wee ones behind. It's so sad."
Sunday's accident happened in Joe's garden in the Lanarkshire village of Glenboig.
William said the pal was "absolutely inconsolable".
He added: "I spoke to Joe and he just can't begin to talk about what happened. He's badly affected by all of this as well."
Family friend Mary Cairns, 53, said: "It's awful. I saw Leslie come bounding out of Joe's full of life. Then five minutes later, he's lying there dead.
"People were all around him. Elsie remained so calm, kneeling down beside him, trying to save his life.
"Joe was running down the street trying to make sure the ambulance was coming and to show it where to go.
"Then Tracey just came screaming up the road. But big Joe grabbed her and took her into the house. Thank God, she never saw it happen.
"Leslie was like a son to Joe. He'll never ever get over what happened. He looked like his whole world had just collapsed."
Leslie, a plumber, used to help out at a local disabled group called The Joe Fun Club until it disbanded at Christmas.
He also played in goal for several amateur football teams and helped out with local boys' club, Glenboig United.
Manager Frank Bennett said: "He was always helping out.
"Whenever we had a penalty kick competition it was Leslie we turned to. His family will be devastated."
Police confirmed the saw was being examined by industrial tool experts and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
They refused to say if the saw was privately-owned or had been hired from a DIY shop.

**

No job because you're Irish

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: No job because you're Irish

Daily Record, 05/06/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

A mum was turned down for a job at a top Scots Navy base - because she was born in Ireland.
Divorcee Margaret Baxter applied for work with MoD contractors Serco at top- security Faslane on the Clyde.
But job agency Office Helpline turned her down after discovering where she was born. Margaret, 53, of MacLeod Drive, Helens-burgh, moved to Scotland when she was two.
Her father is English and she holds a British passport.
She said: "I couldn't believe the discrimination. I had all the qualifications and more."
Margaret said she has worked for the MoD at nearby Coulport, and has even signed the Official Secrets Act.
Serco pledged to find out why Margaret was rejected. But Office Helpline said they followed Serco's guidelines.

**

I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: I held my baby, I felt her breathing how could a doctor walk away and let her die?

Daily Record, 10/06/1997, p8 
by Shaun Milne

A sobbing mother yesterday claimed a doctor walked away and left her newborn girl to die.
Kirsty Cassidy, 22, thought her daughter Rebecca was healthy enough to survive.
Although extremely premature and weighing just 1lb 4oz, she seemed to be breathing normally.
Kirsty's husband John even rang relatives with the "good news".
But moments later, the couple's world was shattered when a doctor said Rebecca was doomed to die.
Kirsty claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali told her: "I'm sorry. The baby is not viable. There is nothing I can do, and I'm not going to do anything."
In tears, Kirsty told a fatal accident inquiry: "I was screaming at him to do something.
"I held my baby. I felt her breathing.
"I thought: `How can he leave her when she's trying her hardest?'"
She said she found Dr al-Zidgali "totally lacking in feeling".
Rebecca was born last September at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Kirsty believes she carried her for about 25 weeks.
Rebecca lived only minutes.
But mum-of-two Kirsty, of Irvine, is convinced Dr al-Zidgali could have given her a chance by putting her in intensive care.
John took Kirsty to the Ayrshire Central on September 5 after she started bleeding.
She was examined, kept overnight then sent home, but had to go back to the hospital hours later.
Medics tried to stop her going into labour, but Rebecca was born next day.
Kirsty claimed it took doctors up to five minutes to visit her after the birth.
By the time paediatrician Dr al-Zidgali arrived, John had phoned relatives to tell them the baby was alive.
Kirsty said Dr al-Zidgali walked up to Rebecca and looked at her.
Then, she claimed, he turned and said the baby was "too small".
Kirsty added: "He apologised, then just walked back out the door again.
"At that time Rebecca was moving around like a normal baby. When I held her fingers, they moved.
"There was only one point absent and that was a noise, but she was making up for it with everything else."
Kirsty said she asked to be given Rebecca to hold, because she knew no one would be coming to help her.
She told how Dr al-Zidgali came to see her the next morning, and told her Rebecca could not have been saved.
He said the baby's movements had only been muscle spasms, and her "breathing" was nothing but gasps.
Kirsty recalled how Dr al-Zidgali said a bid to save Rebecca would have caused her too much suffering.
The doctor also told Kirsty there had been a high risk of brain damage. But the mum took that to mean her daughter had had some chance of life.
She said: "I asked him to leave. I was angry with his `I am right and that's it' tone."
Kirsty claimed Dr al-Zidgali went against two medical guidelines by refusing to treat Rebecca.
One, used throughout the UK, said babies born heavier than 500 grammes should be put in intensive care. Rebecca weighed 570 grammes.
The other said doctors should do what parents want.
"It shouldn't be down to doctors," Kirsty said, "It's not the doctors' child.
"If there's the slightest sign of life, that should be enough."
The probe heard Kirsty had an abortion in 1991 when she was 16, then miscarried another child in 1992.
Her son Darren was born four years ago after a 29-week pregnancy.
Kirsty said he looked worse after birth than Rebecca had, but survived after treatment in intensive care.
Darren's sister Pamela, two, was born after Kirsty carried her for 39 weeks. Both children are now healthy.
Kirsty said her previous problems made her worried when she fell pregnant with Rebecca. But she claimed that when she went for her first ante-natal appointment at the Ayrshire Central, doctors said she didn't need an ultrasound scan because she was "not a high risk".
She said she demanded a scan.
As the pregnancy progressed, midwives at the hospital warned Kirsty the baby might not survive.
"I knew it could go either way," she admitted. "I have been through both sides of the experience."
She said doctors did not tell her before the birth what they intended to do afterwards. "I was told they'd wait and see," she said.
Kirsty also claimed doctors underestimated the length of her pregnancy by two and a half weeks.
She said they treated Rebecca's death as an abortion, believing she had died before the legal termination limit of 24 weeks.
Two radiographers told the inquiry Rebecca was born after 23 weeks.
Kirsty insists she carried the child for nearer 25 weeks.
Kirsty said she had to fight to make the hospital issue a death certificate, because they believed Rebecca was born too early to need one.
When the certificate was written, it gave the time of death as 2pm - the moment Rebecca was born.
Kirsty complained, and says she got an apology from Dr al-Zidgali. The time of death was altered to 2.30pm.
Kirsty wept: "I still do not know when she died."
The inquiry at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.
The Cassidys want a change in the law to force doctors to treat all premature babies who show signs of life.
They say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court.
The couple have been invited to appear on ITV's Richard and Judy show later this week.
Disgusted dad John Cassidy claimed Dr al-Zidgali didn't even touch Rebecca before walking away from her.
John, 36, said: "He just looked at her."
John has suffered panic attacks, and quit his job as a taxi driver, since Rebecca's death. He added: "When she was born the first thing I did was look at her.
"Then I went to phone our parents to say she was breathing and really good.
"I got back to the room as the doctor arrived.
"He told us Rebecca was too small. Kirsty was howling, asking him to do something. He walked out, which I found disgusting.
"I touched Rebecca and she was hot. She was a light pinky colour.
"I expected complications, but I didn't expect them to write off her case after a couple of minutes.
"I would have liked to have seen something done to save her life."
John admitted he and Kirsty failed to turn up at two hospital appointments after Rebecca's death.
"They should have given us an explanation at the time," he said.
"I'm not interested in what they had to say afterwards."

**

I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: I wanted to save Rebecca...but it was simply impossible

Daily Record, 11/06/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

The doctor at the centre of a probe into a newborn baby's death said yesterday: "There was nothing I could have done."
Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, 35, said tiny Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at just 23 weeks, had NO chance of survival.
And he claimed it would have been "futile" to try to resuscitate the tot, who weighed just 1lb 4oz.
Rebecca's heartbroken parents, John and Kirsty, who say the baby was born after 25 weeks, told a fatal accident inquiry not enough was done to save her.
But Dr al-Zidgali said the little girl wasn't "viable".
And he added: "To try something heroic would have harmed the baby. I would not change my decision."
The paediatrician was giving evidence on the second day of the inquiry in Kilmarnock into Rebecca's death.
She died last September, just 30 minutes after she was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.
Dr al-Zidgali said he spoke to Mrs Cassidy when she was admitted after going into labour.
And he warned her the baby would have a slim chance of survival if she was born at that stage.
Later, a colleague rushed up to him to say Mrs Cassidy was giving birth.
He said: "We ran to the labour room. It was about 150 yards away. I opened the door to the room and looked at the resuscitator.
"There was a baby lying in a blanket with its face showing. The baby was extremely premature.
"She had bruising just below the eyebrow, all the way to the back, and some bruising to the abdomen.
"The baby was very small. The head was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The rest of the body was so small I could put my hand around her chest.
"Her skin you could really see through and she did not have enough oxygen pumping through her heart."
He said he measured Rebecca's heart rate and it was just 10-12 beats a minute - normal healthy babies had a heart rate of 120 to 160.
The doctor said if he had tried to ventilate the baby it could have caused a hole in Rebecca's lungs.
He added: "I went with every intention of resuscitating the baby. But the baby was that small there was nothing that could be done.
"Rebecca didn't have any chance of survival because of her condition. I did not have any doubt in my mind. She was one of the worst conditions I've ever seen.
"I think it is futile, heroic and foolish to try to do something for a baby that in my clinical judgment is not viable."
He added: "All I had on my mind was the best for Rebecca. She was my patient.
"Mrs Cassidy was very distressed. She asked me to do anything to save her.
"I said, `Mrs Cassidy, I'm sorry, she is in a poor condition. There is nothing I can do'."
Dr al-Zidgali said he had spoken to Mrs Cassidy after the birth and explained things to her.
He told the inquiry: "She was glad I didn't put tubes and stick things in her and have her lungs exploding.
"That was the words she used. She never asked any questions about my management."
The inquiry continues.

**

DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: DOC WAS RIGHT TO LET 1lb BABY DIE

Daily Record, 12/06/1997, p22 
By SHAUN MILNE 

A Senior midwife yesterday said a doctor was right not to try to save a premature baby.
Sister Helen Ryrie, 39, saw Rebecca Cassidy born weighing 1lb 4oz. She lived just 30 minutes.
Rebecca's mum, Kirsty, claims Dr Faisal al-Zidgali walked away and left the tot to die, even though she was showing signs of life.
But at a fatal accident inquiry into Rebecca's death, Sister Ryrie insisted: "From the moment she was born, I felt nothing could be done. She was too small."
Sister Ryrie was in charge of the labour ward at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine when Kirsty, 22, was admitted on September 7 last year.
She recalled: "I tried to tell her there was little chance of a good outcome because she was so early.
"She didn't seem to accept what I was saying. She referred to the fact her son had been born at 29 weeks and survived."
The hospital claims Kirsty had been pregnant only 23 weeks when she had Rebecca. Kirsty, 23, and husband John, of Irvine, insist it was nearer 25 weeks.
Sister Ryrie said: "The baby deteriorated very quickly after the cord was cut.
"She started to go blue. Her heart rate was dropping.
"I told Mrs Cassidy trying to resuscitate her would only prolong her life for an hour.
"Mrs Cassidy was crying. She said, `Is there nothing you can do to help my baby?'"
Sister Ryrie said Dr al-Zidgali was very caring.
Fellow midwife Margaret Maclean, 31, also told the inquiry she was happy with Dr al- Zidgali's decision.
The Cassidys want a law change to force doctors to treat any baby showing signs of life. The probe at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court continues.

**

I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: I'LL SUE EVIL LIAR WHO BRANDED ME RAPIST

Daily Record, 18/06/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE AND GRACE McLEAN

A soldier cleared of rape in the USA wants to sue the woman who accused him.
Private William Morton, 24, is heading home to Scotland after three grim months in jail and a harrowing trial.
His mum, Sylvia, is thrilled he is free but furious at his lying accuser, US airman's wife Jennifer Dangerfield.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record, she said: "My son sat in prison for three months for nothing and she walked away without any kind of reprimand.
"We're asking lawyers what action we can take."
King's Own Scottish Borderer William sobbed in his mum's arms after a jury in Tacoma, Washington State, cleared him on four counts of rape.
Sylvia said: "It was pure waterworks - I think we flooded the court!
"William's still in shock that he's out and breathing fresh air."
Dangerfield, 21, claimed he raped her four times.
She met him after a night out in Tacoma and offered him a lift to the nearby base where his regiment was stationed.
Dangerfield said William told her to stop the car so he could be sick, then threw her to the ground and tore off her clothes.
William, of Drumchapel in Glasgow, always insisted Dangerfield consented to sex.
Defence lawyers told how she is fighting a child custody battle with estranged husband Max, and claimed she invented the rape story because she didn't want to admit sleeping with another man.
The court also heard that Dangerfield had falsely told police her father- in-law attacked her when she was 17.
William's joy at being free was mixed with grief for the man he looked on as his father.
His favourite uncle, David Moffat, 50, who helped bring him up, died of a heart attack during the trial.
Sylvia, 39, kept the news from William because she was worried he wouldn't be able to cope with it while behind bars.
She finally told him after the trial.
"He took it very badly," Sylvia said.
An Army spokesman said William was expected to fly home today or tomorrow.
He'll report to Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh before returning to his normal duties.
Sylvia said: "Once he's got things sorted at Dreghorn, I'll pick him up and take him home for a few days.
"William's going to have to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life. It's not going to be easy.
"The case is a black mark against him all his days. He'll have probably lost friends through this.
"It might be four not guilty verdicts but it's still there in print. He can't delete that.
"But my son's out of prison, and that's the important thing for the moment."
Sylvia told how Dangerfield waited outside court after the trial, with an angry mob around her.
She said: "She asked to speak to William but he told her very politely to go away."

**

CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: CANCER DOCS SAID I WOULD NEVER BE A MOTHER

Daily Record, 21/06/1997, p5 
by SHAUN MILNE AND VIVIENNE AITKEN

A cancer victim's dream has come true - with the arrival of the baby doctors said she could never have.
Care worker Jane Dunnachie was told that chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkinson's disease had left her infertile.
But on Tuesday she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
Yesterday 32-year-old Jane and boyfriend Paul Davy took miracle baby Jack home to Craigie Avenue, Ayr.
Jane told of the worry of Hodgkinson's disease and how the news that she could never have children destroyed her marriage.
But yesterday her heartache was forgotten as she and Paul cradled their son.
Jane, who works at Ayr Hospital, underwent hours of gruelling chemotherapy six years ago and thought at one stage that she would die.
She said: "At the time I was only worried about whether I would get through it. It was only afterwards I sat down and realised I could probably never have children."
Doctors told her she would never be a mother because the treatment had damaged her ovaries.
She said: "I was married at the time but knowing we could never have children drove a wedge between us.
"We just grew apart after that."
She later met Paul and they moved in together.
She said: "I went back to the doctors to see if there was any chance of a family, but he told me there was no change.
"He told me he didn't think it would happen and that there was more chance of winning the lottery than having a baby.
"We accepted what he said and decided to get on with the rest of our lives.
"We moved into a flat together in September and I wasn't feeling too well.
"I just put it down to stress or flu but I went to my GP for a check- up.
"She knew my history but said she would do a pregnancy test anyway and it came up positive."
Jane thought she had made a mistake and refused to believe she was to be a mum until she saw her tiny baby on screen when she had her first scan.
She said: "I was totally shocked. I couldn't speak for ages. I was in tears. I was still waiting for something to go wrong right up until I actually held him in my arms."
Granddad Malcolm Dunnachie, 58, said: "The baby's even more special to us because of everything Jane had gone through.
"Our hearts went out to her when they said she couldn't have a baby but we were just glad we still had her with us."
And granny Helen added: "We are so proud of her. She is so very courageous to have come through what she has."
Cancer expert Dr Roy Rampling, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, said risks varied from case to case.
He said: "Any chemotherapy can affect fertility, but some much more than others - and the drugs used on Hodgkinson's disease certainly can."
Hodgkinson's disease is cancer of the lymph glands which help ward off infection and hits 200 Scots men and women each year.
Sufferers have included ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence's wife, Vee, and former champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill.
Funny girl Marti Caine died of the disease in November, 1995, two years after it was diagnosed.

**

NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: NOEL RAPS DEATH CRASH COPTER PILOT

Daily Record, 16/07/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Telly star Noel Edmonds yesterday blasted the pilot in the Glamis helicopter tragedy.
Edmonds said the flier was carrying too many passengers.
The chopper crashed on Sunday, killing nine-year-old Gary Malley.
It was owned by Kwik-Fit boss Sir Tom Farmer and leased to Edmonds' flights charity Airborne.
Edmonds said: "That helicopter should only have five people. But there were six on board and Kwik- Fit must say why."
The helicopter came down near Glamis Castle, Angus. His voice cracking with emotion, Edmonds told the Record yesterday: "I've promised Gary's parents I will find out what happened.
"But I cannot believe that in over 48 hours, no one from Kwik-Fit has been in touch with me.
"And I was absolutely aghast when Gary's family told me no one had been in contact with them."
Edmonds, himself an experienced helicopter pilot, also revealed Gary's family, from Dundee, had invited him to the funeral.
He said no to spare them media attention but added: "We'll meet in private."
Kwik-Fit last night said it would have been "insensitive" to contact the family immediately.
But boss Farmer had written to them.
A Kwik-Fit statement also said they had been in touch with Airborne.

**

SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: SCOTS MARINES WIPED OUT IN HOLIDAY CRASH

Daily Record, 19/07/1997, p19 
by Shaun Milne

Three Scots Marines were killed yesterday when their car smashed into a road sign.
Police said they suspected a tyre had blown out and the driver had not been speeding.
No other vehicles were involved, but two lorries crashed as they avoided the wreckage and caused a 20-car pile-up.
Two people were treated for shock.
Royal Marine colleagues based in Glasgow were trying to contact the victims' relatives last night.
The three reservists died instantly when their car suddenly swerved across three lanes of the A38 at Kennford, near Exeter.
One was thrown clear, and two were trapped in the wreck.
Two friends, travelling in a car in front, were back in their Marine barracks at Lympstone in Plymouth last night. Both were deeply shocked.
Last night the names of the victims were being withheld by police and MoD officials.
Three others died on Scotland's roads in just 24 hours.
In Aberdeen, William McPherson, 53, of Bridge of Don, died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car, which careered through a packed pedestrian precinct at more than 60 miles an hour.
Stallholders dived for cover as the car crashed 200 yards through the Castlegate market.
It demolished a huge rubbish bin before smashing through two railings into a wall. But amazingly, no one was hurt.
Mercy crews battled to free the man from the wreckage, but he was dead at the scene.
Trader John Dow, 31, said: "It was absolutely horrific. The car just came screaming through the market and missed stalls and cafe seats by inches.
"I just can't believe how it didn't hit anyone, because it was rush-hour traffic."
At Carnwath, Lanarkshire, a 46-year-old driver died after a head-on collision with another car on the A70.
In Glasgow, a 42-year-old cyclist died after a collision with a car in Winton Drive, Kelvinside.

**

IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: IT'S ENVIRON-MENTAL!

Daily Record, 25/07/1997, p27 
by Shaun Milne

Greenpeace were left red-faced last night when one of their own ships was impounded for breaking pollution rules.
The 900-ton vessel was confined to port in Stornoway after a spot check by safety officials.
It could mean two Greenpeace protesters on Rockall will starve because the boat was to supply them with food.
Marine Safety Agency inspectors discovered vital records relating to tests on oil equipment on board the MV Greenpeace had lapsed.
The swoop followed complaints from a survey ship, the GO Explorer, that Greenpeace had impeded their work.
The missing certificate was for a part which keeps a check on fuel and oil emissions from the ship.
Greenpeace stressed the equipment was working but conceded the blunder was a bad example to set to others.
Spokeswoman Mirell Lindenfels last night admitted: "It's ironic. We consider these types of certificates to be important and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
The MSA warned the eco-warriors' ship would only be allowed to leave the port on the Isle of Lewis IF it passed a stringent inspection.
A spokesman said: "They've detained the vessel until a survey has been completed, which normally takes about a week to complete.
"The ship can't leave port until the defect has been remedied."
The environmentalists had been shadowing oil surveying ships in the Atlantic west of the Shetland Isles when the MSA swooped.

**

DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: DEAD LETTER DROPS BANK IN IT

Daily Record, 30/07/1997, p16 
Shaun Milne

Blundering bank bosses sent out scores of letters to DEAD former customers.
Mail from the Royal Bank of Scotland stated their former clients' names and addresses followed by the word DECEASED.
The mistake was made when the bank blitzed 300,000 clients with information on new interest rates.
Now red-faced bosses have written to grieving families after being inundated with complaints.
One bank worker said: "I'm sickened by it because of the number of people phoning us up and complaining.
"Some of the people involved say their partners have been dead for years.
"It's disgusting. A lot of folk have been most upset, as you can imagine, and we're having to apologise."
She added: "One of them got a letter to his dead wife on his birthday. He was really upset."
A bank spokeswoman apologised and said: "We did a mailing of around 300,000 and unfortunately 50 people on that mailing list were deceased customers."
The bank assured customers it was a technical error and that steps had been taken to ensure it didn't happen again.
The spokeswoman added: "When people die the account is marked deceased.
"Somebody has pressed the wrong button. It was an error and we admit it."

**

Charity men crushed to death by seawall

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Charity men crushed to death by seawall

Daily Record, 07/08/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Two young workers were killed last night after a seawall collapsed on them.
They died entombed beneath a giant concrete slab despite a frantic seven- hour race to free them.
Early today, mercy teams in a remote part of the Orkneys pulled the two bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, rescuers had mounted a massive operation in a desperate bid to reach the trapped victims, who worked for the Prince's Trust charity.
Scores of villagers joined police, fire brigade and Coastguard teams working under floodlights.
And Prince Charles - the charity's patron - had asked to be kept informed of the rescuers' progress.
The accident happened at 5pm at Westness, North Ronaldsay, as the men - believed to be in their 20s and from the Dundee area - laid concrete at the foot of the wall.
A four-ton section fell on top of them and trapped the pair underneath.
Extra firefighters were flown in from Kirkwall by helicopter to help local volunteers. They were joined by building experts.
The operation was hampered by 15 tons of wall suspended above the trapped men.
Mercy teams feared that if they moved the smaller section to get the men out, the whole lot would come down.
Two JCBs were also brought in to move the wall and an air ambulance at Kirkwall was on stand-by.
The two workers were part of a 13-strong team working under the supervision of the royal charity. Details of the rest of the party were unclear.
The charity operates throughout Scotland and almost 2000 young people aged 16 to 25 have taken part in programmes since 1991.

**

Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Icy blast for Scrooge health chiefs

Daily Record, 11/08/1997, p6 
by Shaun Milne

Mean hospital bosses are demanding cash from their staff to install an ice-making machine for patients.
Workers raised nearly £1000 at a charity bingo night to buy the cooler.
But bosses insist staff will need to pay to have the machine fitted by their own in- house team.
And that is despite an outside plumber volunteering to do the work for free.
Staff from St John's Hospital, in Livingston, West Lothian, held the charity fundraiser last month.
Local businesses gave donations while scores of people turned out to support the venture. But staff claim to have been told to expect an extra £250 charge to have the machine fitted.
One source said: "We can't believe the attitude of the management.
"The machine means we could keep patients supplied with ice to keep them cool.
"It's hard enough for them being in hospital as it is, we're just trying to do something to make them feel more comfortable."
Another source added: "We're not giving up. It's taken a lot of hard work and we're determined we won't back down now." A spokesman for West Lothian NHS Trust who run St John's admitted fundraisers would have to foot the bill.
He said: "Any piece of equipment has to be plumbed in to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and to meet with fire regulations.
"Because of the complexity of the work and piping there will be a charge but it has not been determined.
"We've got our own workers so they won't pay for labour, it'll just be the materials."

**

PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: PARTY FOR INDIA'S GOLDEN DAY

Daily Record, 16/08/1997, p12 
by SHAUN MILNE

The 50th anniversary of India's independence was celebrated across Scotland yesterday.
Indian communities partied to mark the end of British rule in India.
In Glasgow, George Square was transformed for the big day as thousands turned out in traditional Indian costume.
A wall of sound greeted passers-by as bands kept the 5000 crowd entertained.
The Association of Indian Organisations co-ordinated the celebrations, backed by the council and other groups.
Chairman Sewasingh Koli said: "I'm one of the lucky ones who witnessed the celebrations in Delhi in 1947. Now I'm witnessing the golden jubilee. It's an historic day."
Scottish bands joined Indian musicians on a 1000-strong procession to George Square, led by World War II veterans.
Glasgow City Council held a special civic lunch hosted by Lord Provost Pat Lally.
A gala concert is to be held on Sunday in the Royal Concert Hall.
In Edinburgh, the Indian Consul General Parveen Goyal, attended a large party in Princes Street Gardens.
He joined the city's Lord Provost Eric Milligan and other guests at the Ross Bandstand .
The celebrations come a day after Scots Pakistani communities held their parties.
India and Pakistan both gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.

**

DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: DRIVERS CAN'T GET PAWS ON A PUMA

Daily Record, 19/08/199, p197 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scores of drivers hoping to race off in one of Ford's new Puma cars have been left in the lurch.
Drivers promised an August delivery are being told dealers have sold out.
The flash new motor is going down a storm following its slick TV ad featuring Steve McQueen in 60s movie Bullitt.
Ford are being blamed for not making enough Pumas - just 5000 of the cars are going on sale in the UK.
Suzanne O'Neill, 24, ordered her Puma from Wylie's Ford in Glasgow on July 1, expecting it this month.
But she's been told her £15,500 sports model might not arrive until October.
Suzanne, of Elderslie, Renfrewshire, said: "It hasn't even been built yet.
"I was so disappointed I was in tears."
Wylie's sales manager Paul O'Brien said: "We took 21 orders for August but found out we're only going to get 16.
"It's OK for them to turn round and tell us at the eleventh hour. But we're the people who have to talk to the customer."
A Ford spokesman admitted demand far outstripped supply and claimed the problem was made worse because of a plant shutdown abroad.
He said: "We are doing everything possible to get cars to them as soon as we possibly can."

**

Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Gazza's pounds 1/2m transfer deal

Daily Record, 19/08/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Rangers star Gazza has sold his plush mansion.
And the mystery buyer is the first person who viewed the huge pile.
It is thought the new owner is a builder, who lives near to the six-bedroomed building called the White House.
The final paperwork has still to be completed - but the purchase is expected to go through within the next fortnight.
Estate agents Allen & Harris confirmed a deal worth around the pounds 540,000 asking price is nearly sealed.
A spokesman said: "There is an offer on the table with a couple of things to be ironed out.
"We hope to have the deal concluded quickly."
The sale will net the footballer a £70,000 profit.
The mansion sits in two acres of countryside a mile from the village of Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Gazza is keen to move east in the hope of rebuilding his family life after a string of reports on his personal life.
Property experts have been scouring the Edinburgh area for places to buy or rent.
But Allen & Harris did not know if Gazza had found himself anywhere else to live yet.

**

Jails to search staff for drugs

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Jails to search staff for drugs

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

Prison officers face routine searches as Scots jails struggle to beat the spiralling drugs menace.
The move comes as prison watchdogs reveal eight out 10 inmates take drugs.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Clive Fairweather yesterday unveiled a list of measures to fight the problem. His annual report recommended:
More rigorous and efficient searching of prisoners for drugs
Rewards like better pay, longer visits and TV in cells for inmates who manage to stay drug-free
Penalties such as a return to a basic regime for those who fail.
But Mr Fairweather also believes the prison service should have powers to search officers.
He said: "It would reduce pressure on some officers who might be subject to blackmail."
Jim Dawson of the Scottish Prison Officers Association said the union wouldn't reject the idea.
But he added: "It is something we want to make sure is properly policed and carried out by experienced people."
At present, prison officers can only be searched with their consent.

**

RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: RAVE ISLAND JAIL ORDEAL OF SCOTS ON E CHARGES

Daily Record, 20/08/1997, p15 
by SHAUN MILNE

Two Scots teenagers charged with dealing Ecstasy on a Spanish holiday isle could face up to six years in jail.
Sandy Mitchell, 19, and Jamie Slaven, 18, from Maybole, Ayrshire, are in Ibiza prison awaiting trial for possessing and intending to supply hundreds of tablets.
Civil Guards on the rave island mounted a dragnet operation two weeks ago.
Six people were arrested after around 700 tablets were seized during raids on bars and night-clubs in San Antonio.
Mitchell and Slaven are thought to have had most of the haul in their possession.
Frantic relatives of the pair have begged the Foreign Office for help.
And local MP George Foulkes has contacted the British Consulate to ensure they have proper legal representation.
Slaven and Mitchell went on holiday with another teenager, Gareth McCulloch.
But as they spent another night locked up in the Spanish jail, he was back home with his parents at their home in Maybole's Fineview Park.
Gareth said: "I had to come back a few days ago because I work. I've not heard anything since.
"I don't really know what went on over there. I don't want to say any more."
The jailed youths' immediate families have asked for no publicity and could not be contacted yesterday, and Slaven's grandmother Margaret said: "I don't know anything, no one has told us what is happening.
Struggling to fight back tears, she added: "All we know is they have been stuck there for weeks now and we can't get in touch with them."
Slaven's dad Jim, who runs a driving school, is said to be "worried sick" about his son.
A neighbour said: "I don't think he can believe he'd be so stupid."
Slaven's top-floor flat at Minnoch Crescent, Maybole, lay deserted yesterday.
Another neighbour said: "I am just enjoying the peace and quiet while it lasts.
"Normally, all you get is rave music blasting out his windows at all hours. He won't be missed round here."
There was no reply from Mitchell's family home.
Last night, a police source said: "I don't know what charges are against them."
But he added: "It comes as no great surprise."

**

MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: MOB LAY SIEGE TO PERVERT

Daily Record, 21/08/1997, p27 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sex beast sneaked from his new home - hours before an angry mob laid siege to it.
More than 50 people were outside Bryan Hillan's flat yesterday.
But he had already been whisked to a secret location by social workers.
Police revealed they had received threats that the whole block of flats Hillan lived in would be burned down unless he went.
The block in Arden, Glasgow, is barely 250 yards from a nursery school.
Hillan's next-door neighbour, Tracy Steel, 25, said she was horrified when she was told about his sex crimes.
She added: "I've seen him talking to my wee girl, Melissa, in the close. I hardly slept a wink last night through thinking about it."
Another neighbour has a daughter aged three who has been sexually abused. She said: "I should have been told.
"We don't even need their names, just that a paedophile is in the area so we can keep our children safe."
Mum Sharon MacFarlane, 30, said: "The only place he should be put is in a room full of women with blunt scissors."
Hillan, 17, originally from Clydebank, was sentenced to two years' detention in March for assaults on three young children. Two of his victims now have severe psychological problems.
Hillan was freed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Arden residents only found out about the perv's history by chance when a visitor from Clydebank recognised him.
The mob later moved to the office of local Scottish Homes manager Hugh Mitchell, claiming he should have warned them.
But he insisted: "I knew nothing about this and I will make sure his tenancy is ended."
It was the second time in five months that Hillan has been forced to flee a house. He had to leave his mother's flat in Possil, Glasgow, in April.

**

FRIGHT WEDDING

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: FRIGHT WEDDING

Daily Record, 23/08/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

The wackiest wedding of the year yesterday had register office staff thinking they'd walked into a scene from the Rocky Horror Show.
One half of the happy couple wore a short white dress, veil and thigh- length boots - and that was the groom.
The bride was dressed to thrill in a black leather and lace basque and the best man was a woman.
The guests got in on the act too - they carried whips and sported a variety of outrageous leather, rubber and PVC costumes.
Passers-by stopped in amazement as the wedding party arrived outside the Park Circus register office in Glasgow.
But they burst into applause as the couple, who live in the centre of the city, kissed on the steps before going in to tie the knot.
Groom John McGeechan, 28, a law student, said later: "It's just a bit of fun. We're off to have some drinks now and are having a big party later."
And new wife Fiona, 29, who's studying psychology with the Open University, added: "We got married this way because we're fun- loving people."
One pal said: "They're pretty crazy, but you couldn't meet a happier, nicer couple of people."

**

Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Town at war over kiddies' racism claims

Daily Record, 26/08/1997, p20 
by SHAUN MILNE

A bitter row has split a country town after it was branded one of the most racist in Scotland.
English newcomers say they are being driven from their homes by bigots.
But locals in Brechin, Angus, say the new English residents are to blame for rising crime rates.
One worried parent has even kept her two children from school because of anti- English playground taunts.
Mum-of-two Gail Anderson, 43, claims daughter Kathryn, 13, is too scared to go back to Brechin High.
And she alleged youngest daughter Joanne, 10, was victimised at Andover Primary despite complaints to staff.
She said: "They are both terrified of going back to school. I don't know what the parents are telling their children as it's worse than ever."
Disabled Joan Kershaw, 42, who moved from Manchester in March, claims she has been the target of abuse.
She said: "These people are being racist and don't want incomers. This whole thing is making me ill."
The row began after community councillor Audrey Mitchell blamed incomers for rising crime figures.
Before a special meeting of Brechin Community Council last night she defended her claims about "undesirables" and criticised Angus Council for giving them houses.
She said: "I think it is terrible. I would rather see some of these houses stay empty."
Community council vice-convener Gordon Hill backed her stance and said: "We must ensure that Brechin is not being used as a dustbin."
But Angus Council leader Ian Hudghton added: "I am concerned to hear these allegations."

**

Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Boy mauled by Japanese fighting dog

Daily Record, 27/08/199, p8 
by SHAUN MILNE AND MAGGIE MALLON

A little boy was savaged by a 10-stone dog as he played just yards from his home last night.
Four-year-old Jamie Longridge was attacked by an Akita - which is also known as a Japanese fighting dog.
The tot suffered cuts to his head and body and was rushed by ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow.
His distraught parents, Maggie and George, and big brother Christopher, 10, were at his bedside.
A hospital spokeswoman described his condition as "quite comfortable".
The horror happened at around 6.40pm near Jamie's home in Second Avenue, Clydebank.
He and his pal - whose dad owned the dog - were play fighting when the animal suddenly turned on him.
Neighbour Deborah O'Donnell, 20, said: "I heard Jamie screaming and ran to the window. He was covered in blood and crying."
Tracey Brooks, 25, witnessed the attack and helped pull the dog off Jamie.
And she claimed the same animal - called Sumo - savaged her six-year- old son Kenneth a month ago.
She said: "Poor wee Jamie was in a terrible state and all the kids were screaming and running around terrified.
"The attack was almost identical to the one on Kenneth. The same thing happened - the dog was playing without a leash with a group of children behind the flats.
"Kenneth was bitten on the side of his face and had to have 14 stitches."
Tracey added: "These dogs are hunting dogs.
"They were bred to fight bears so they've got a killer instinct - they shouldn't be kept near children."
Sumo's owner Brian Barr, who lives in the same street, agreed to have the dog put down by a vet.
He said: "I'm gutted by what happened to the wee boy. He's my four-year- old son Tony's best pal and the two of them were out playing with the dog when it happened.
"Sumo was only two and a half years old and was over-protective of my children. I can only think that is why he attacked."
Police said two men would be reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident.

**

DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: DOUBLE MURDER HUNT AFTER STREET BATTLE

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

A sobbing teenager yesterday told how her boyfriend died as street violence flared.
And police launched a double murder probe after the body of a 40-year- old man was found in a nearby house.
Vicky McGinty, 16, thought boyfriend Paul O'Neill was drunk when he collapsed but the 19- year-old had been stabbed in the side.
Two other men, both 22, were found lying injured nearby.
One was named as Jason Campbell, who early yesterday had surgery for leg and shoulder wounds.
The 40-year-old was later named as Robert McCann.
Vicky said: "I just can't take this in. Paul had gone to the pub earlier with a friend before I saw him coming back along the street again later.
"He doesn't drink much but I thought he was drunk because he grabbed a pole and swung round it before falling in a heap.
"That's when he told me he'd been stabbed in the side.
"I just started screaming and couldn't go near him. I screamed for someone to get an ambulance.
"I don't know what happened but there were people all over the place.
"All he said to me was that he still wanted to go out with me."
A friend, who didn't want to be named, put a blanket over Paul.
She said: "I just kept talking to him. I said I'd tell his mum what had happened but he told me not to.
"He said he didn't want to worry her."
Police sealed off the area in Govan, Glasgow, as forensic experts searched for clues.
One neighbour said she heard shouting before looking out of her window to see tragic Paul lying on a street corner. Paul's mum, Margaret, was being comforted by his two sisters and young brother Brian at home in Govan.
Detectives were linking Paul's death with that of Robert and the injuries to the two others.
Jason's mum Andrea, 46, rushed to the scene after hearing about the stabbing.
She said: "I went over to where Jason was lying. One of his pals was holding him up, making sure he stayed awake.
"He told me someone had gone for them with a knife."
Andrea also told how her son's girlfriend, Heather Donahue, gave birth to the couple's daughter, Laura, just five days before.
She added: "My heart goes out to the other two families."

**

HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: HOME TO A NATION IN MOURNING

Daily Record, 01/09/1997, p2 
by Reporting team: ANNA SMITH, IAIN FERGUSON, JAMIE MACASKILL, BILL CAVEN, MARK McGIVERN, DAVE KING,
GRACE McLEAN, SHAUN MILNE, STEPHEN RAFFERTY, MICK McGLINCHEY, IAN DOW, STEPHEN SMITH, CHARLIE GALL,
JASON KERRIGAN.

Diana, Princess of Wales, made her final, sad journey back home to British shores last night.
Her body was flown home 19 hours after the horrific car crash in Paris which killed her and lover Dodi Fayed.
Diana was only 36 years old.
Ex-husband Prince Charles fought back tears as he walked solemnly beside the coffin, which was draped in the Royal Standard.
The princess's heartbroken sisters stood by, their heads bowed.
The homecoming ended a day when Britain was overcome by grief for Di, killed with Dodi in a high- speed chase with French paparazzi photographers.
Thousands of weeping people left flowers outside royal palaces, and TV and radio stations abandoned schedules to broadcast non-stop coverage of the tragedy.
Tony Blair met Charles at RAF Northolt in west London.
Hours earlier, the Premier had struggled to hold back tears as he led tributes to Diana, telling the nation: "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated.
"The princess was a wonderful and a warm human being, who touched the lives of so many with joy."
The Queen's Flight BAe146 landed at Northolt at 6.51pm, as hundreds of reporters and members of the public waited to pay their respects.
It taxied towards the main airport building, to be met by Blair, Defence Secretary George Robertson and Lord Chamberlain Lord Airlie, head of the Queen's household.
Diana's coffin was lifted gently from the rear of the plane by airmen from the Queen's Colour Squadron and carried through the evening sunshine towards a waiting hearse.
More airmen advanced slowly towards the coffin, carrying wreaths.
A reception committee of officers snapped to attention and saluted as the princess was put in the hearse, ready to be taken to an un-named mortuary.
She was driven away, escorted by motorcycle outriders, along roads clogged with people who turned out to pay a last tribute.
Members of the public left flowers at the gates of the base, and mourners lined the street outside.
Charles left grieving sons William, 15, and Harry, 12, at Balmoral to go to Paris and bring Di home.
He drove himself from the Deeside estate to Aberdeen, and caught a plane to Paris. The prince, dressed in a dark suit and black tie, looked tired and drawn as he arrived at the Salpetriere hospital.
Diana was taken there after the high-speed crash in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower, but was pronounced dead at 4am after a vain battle to save her.
Charles was accompanied by Di's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, wife of the Queen's private secretary Robert Fellowes.
Both women looked tearful and deeply distressed.
A British Embassy aide said: ``The two sisters and the prince spent a few moments of quiet recollection with the body of the Princess of Wales.
"The prince then spent a few minutes meeting and thanking staff who fought to save her, and looked after her following her death."
Charles met Professor Bruno Riou and Professor Alain Pavie, the surgeons who massaged Diana's heart for two hours non- stop in a desperate bid to keep her alive.
Diana left the hospital just after 5pm. Crowds lining the streets fell silent as her body was carried down the steps.
The coffin was led by a priest from the Anglican church in Paris, carrying a Bible. Two hospital officials holding bouquets walked behind.
There was a ripple of spontaneous applause as Diana was driven away.
But some also hissed angrily at newsmen, venting their fury at the paparazzi's role in her death.
The photographers who followed Di and Dodi's Mercedes on motorbikes were being widely blamed for the crash. Seven of them were in police custody last night.
Di's grieving brother Earl Spencer slammed the press, saying: "I always believed they would kill her in the end."
French President Jacques Chirac gave Charles a few words of comfort as he watched the coffin being carried out.
The prince followed the hearse on its short journey to a military airfield 10 miles outside the city.
As the motorcade swept out of the hospital, a French Embassy official said: "Quel jour, quel horreur."
After landing at Northolt, Charles boarded the plane again to return to Aberdeen.
He landed at 8.40pm and headed back to Balmoral. At the end of his 50- mile drive, he still had the task of helping William and Harry cope with their loss.
The prince's black Ford Mondeo moved swiftly through the security gates as on the final stage of what will have been the most emotional journey of his life.
Early today, Diana's body was moved from the private mortuary to a chapel in St James' Palace.
The body of Harrods heir Dodi, 41, was taken to a west London mosque last night and a private funeral service was held.
His grief-stricken father Mohammed Al Fayed prayed over his son's body with hundreds of other worshippers.
Surveyor Suliemen Kadara, 67, who attended the Regent's Park Mosque service, said: "The proper Islamic way now is to bury the body as soon as possible."

**

Kids must learn alcopop lesson

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Kids must learn alcopop lesson

Daily Record, 05/09/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE

Schoolkids should get lessons about the dangers of drink, a licensing chief said yesterday.
James Coleman wants to take the fight against alcopops into classrooms.
He told a conference: "Alcopops are a gateway to drinking much as cannabis is seen as a gateway to drug abuse.
"It is a nightmare which has a far wider reach than drugs. It's a minefield that has got to be sorted out."
Coleman, chairman of Glasgow's licensing board, is backing the Daily Record's campaign for a complete ban on alcopops.
He said: "For the first time brewers have deliberately targeted kids by using alcopops. Marketing and advertising are being used to attract kids to alcohol earlier and earlier.
"We've got to look at ways of banning or controlling the way these drinks are labelled and sold.
"We need to start educating children at an early age and that means in schools.
"I think alcohol awareness has to be made part of the national curriculum."
Coleman told the licensing seminar in Glasgow City Chambers that tough new laws should be considered by the Scottish Parliament.

**

Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Scotland has nothing to fear but fear itself

Daily Record, 09/09/1997, p2 
by DAVE KING AND SHAUN MILNE

Tony Blair yesterday told Scots to have faith in the future - and themselves.
He swept back on to the Devo campaign trail and was mobbed when he went walkabout on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The PM pleaded with Scotland to deliver a Yes, Yes vote in Thursday's crucial vote on Labour's plans.
He said: "Trust us and trust yourselves. It is a classic example of nothing to be afraid of other than fear itself."
The campaign - which was put on hold after Princess Diana's death - finally got into full swing as Blair arrived north of the Border.
And he got an ecstatic welcome from huge crowds in Glasgow's Argyle Street and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
An upbeat Blair told the Record: "I just hope as many people turn out and vote Yes, Yes on Thursday.
"People have got to take this chance to vote for a Parliament in Scotland and I'd urge them to do so."
In Glasgow, the PM was greeted by Sheila Wallace, 59, of Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who presented him with a bouquet of red and yellow carnations.
She said: "He made my day. I've really been looking forward to meeting him and I'll definitely be voting Yes, Yes."
Toddler Callum Malvin, two, was hoisted shoulder high to meet Blair.
Proud grandad Alex Donachie, 63, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, said: "I'll be voting Yes, Yes. I'm a Tony Blair man and what he says goes.
"I think it's about time we governed ourselves."
Blair, flanked by wife Cherie and Scots Secretary Donald Dewar, also met Valerie Anderson, 38, of Paisley, and her two- year-old daughter, Rachel.
Valerie said: "Rachel was a bit shy. but she shook his hand.
"He seems very genuine and said he was happy to be back in Glasgow.
"I'll be voting Yes, Yes because we'll be much better off that way.
"My only concern is about tax - but we've got to give it a chance."
As the entourage headed back to their waiting cars and police escorts, John Shaw, 56, from Hamilton took his chance to quiz Dewar.
John said later: "I've had my doubts. But Mr Dewar said we can do it and, you know what, I believed him."
There were more big crowds when the Blairs arrived in Edinburgh.
Cherie said: "The reception we have had has been amazing. Let's just hope everyone shows the same enthusiasm on Thursday."
During the 15-minute walkabout, Blair said he would deliver the Scottish Parliament but warned: "You have to be there for me too.
"We can do it but only with your help."
Alfie Hill, 57, of the Inch, Edinburgh, said: "Tony Blair is the best thing to happen to Britain. With him in charge I'm sure we'll get a Yes, Yes vote."
And university student Sarah Greenhill, 21, said: "Tony Blair's fantastic. With him in charge Scotland can become great again."
Later, Blair told pupils and guests at the capital's Trinity Academy that Devolution was "a good change - the right change".
He said: "It is the right change for the times in which we live.
"It is about changing the constitution and bringing power closer to the people.
"The idea that this is a power with which the Scottish people cannot be trusted I just find wrong - absurd even."
Earlier, as he opened Killermont Primary School in Glasgow, Blair said Devolution was right for Scotland and the UK.
And he dismissed concerns over the Scottish Parliament's tax-varying powers.
He said: "These were the Conservative scare stories from the General Election. They were rejected then and they should be rejected again."
Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes, Yes vote could give a boost to Scottish business.
He said: "If taxpayers paid an extra 50p a week then the business rates of 50,000 smaller firms could be cut by pounds 1000 a year."
And he said a Parliament would put Scotland on the world business map.
He added: "It will deliver competitive business rates, end the scandal of feudal land ownership and introduce proportional representation into local government.
"It will be a can-do Parliament reflecting the can-do spirit in Scotland."
Salmond was in Edinburgh firing up young Scot Nats for the final campaigning before Thursday's vote.
Lib-Dem leader Paddy Ashdown yesterday took the Devo message to Inverness.
And he said Scots had the chance to show the rest of the UK how a good government is run.
He added: "Scots hold in their hands a gift to the British people. By voting Yes, Yes on Thursday, Scots will open a gateway to a better Britain, by providing a working model of an open, modern, democratic Government.
"Nowhere will the benefits be greater than in the Highlands.
"The Highlands and Islands have unique economic and social needs.
"Where only two per cent of Westminster MPs represent the Highlands and Islands, a quarter of Scottish MPs will be putting the case for Highland interests in Edinburgh."

**

Baby shock for hols teenager

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Baby shock for hols teenager

Daily Record, 10/09/199, p97 
by SHAUN MILNE

A teenager on holiday in Majorca has given birth - without knowing she was pregnant.
Stunned Kim Gallacher, 18, started suffering crippling pains at a disco.
She was rushed to a clinic in Palma Nova on Thursday and 20 minutes later gave birth to daughter Chloe.
Kim and Chloe, who weighed in at 7lbs 2oz, were both doing well at the Juaneda clinic yesterday.
Last night, Kim, of Milton, Glasgow, said: "I just can't believe this has happened. I kept telling them they'd made a mistake, I couldn't be pregnant.
"When they put her in my arms I couldn't believe she had come from inside of me.
"It was a big shock. I've been on the Pill for over a year and my cycle has been normal. I had no idea."
Pals Amanda Hogg and Samantha Duncan cried at her bedside when they discovered unemployed Karen was having a baby.
Chloe had to be registered as a Spanish citizen and it will take two days for her to get an emergency passport.
But Kim said: "All I want to do is get home to my family."
Kim split from the baby's dad a couple of months ago.
She hopes to fly home tomorrow - after persuading the insurance company she had no idea she was pregnant.

**

HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: HOUSE ABOUT THAT!

Daily Record, 26/09/1997, p34 
by Shaun Milne

Desperate house-hunters camped out in the freezing cold for THREE NIGHTS to get their hands on their dream home.
Nine families braved plummeting temperatures so they could get first choice from a new development.
Beazer Homes staff kept the customers fed and watered and even invited them in for lunch.
The builders had put 20 houses up for grabs .
And they rang up an incredible £1.65million in sales in just two hours.
The three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses fetched between £73,500 and £123,995 each.
Delighted sales director Maureen Anderson said: "It was amazing.
"They showed faith in the quality and reputation of our homes by doing this.
"Some were so desperate they sold their houses first so they could move into ours."
Many of those queuing at the Parkside Gardens site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, had taken holidays from work just to join the wait.
Tracy Adie, 32, was first in the queue and took three days off work as a nurse at Law Hospital.
She landed a £104,000 four-bedroom detached villa.
Tracy said: "Camping out was a small sacrifice to make to get it."
Boyfriend Graham Dodd and daughter Ashley, four, will share the dream home.

**

Golden Girl thief told to leave

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Golden Girl thief told to leave

Daily Record, 01/10/1997, p7 
by SHAUN MILNE

A Golden Girl tourist went shoplifting just two days after she was convicted in court of theft.
And yesterday Margo Woodman, 63, was advised to take the first plane home by a sheriff.
The American pensioner was caught with tapes, whisky, and books stolen from shops in Gretna Green.
She had been fined £3000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on September 19 for her part in a shoplifting tour of Scotland taking goods worth £7000.
Just 48 hours later she was nabbed again after suspicious staff at shops in Gretna called the police. Woodman yesterday admitted those thefts at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Her passport is being held by officials in Edinburgh until she pays off her fines there.
Her solicitor said he had been sent £2100 from relatives in Germany to help pay off the fines today and buy her a plane ticket home.
Woodman's family believed her compulsive stealing was a psychological condition, the court heard.
Sheriff John Barr told Woodman that if she left the country by Monday he would deal with the case in her absence but if not she would have to appear before him again.

**

Exploding pillows in safety alert

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Exploding pillows in safety alert

Daily Record, 04/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

Exploding pillows sparked a safety scare yesterday.
They are designed to be heated up in microwaves to relieve muscle and joint pain.
But the alarm was raised after two reports of the pillows blowing up while they were in the oven.
And three others started belching out smoke after being put in microwaves.
Marks & Spencer were also investigating claims that two customers had been injured in pillow accidents.
They issued the safety warning and cleared the pillows from their shelves.
The company urged customers who bought the pillows to return them immediately to their nearest store for a full refund.
A spokeswoman said: "Our primary concern is the safety of our customers."
More than 4000 have been sold since their launch in M&S stores last October.
The Specialist Heated Neck Pillow costs £20, while the Specialist Heated Back Pillow costs £45.
US firm Microcorp have supplied around a million worldwide. They are often used by arthritis victims.
The fault was believed to lie in black heating pads under the pillow's fabric. Experts were carrying out tests last night.
The neck pillow's item code is T35/0871/5405, while the back pillow code is T35/0871/5407.

**

Actor Andrew is dead

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Actor Andrew is dead

Daily Record, 06/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Scots actor Andrew Keir, who played a starring role in the hit film Rob Roy, died yesterday.
His wife Joyce was at his hospital bedside at St George's in London when the 71-year-old died after a short illness.
Andrew, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, played alongside Liam Neeson when he starred as the Duke of Argyll in the smash hit Rob Roy.
Other film appearances included Walt Disney's classic Greyfriar's Bobby and The Brave Don't Cry, produced by John Grierson.
Andrew left school at 14 with the intention of following his father down the pits as a coal miner.
But then he "stumbled" into acting, and never looked back.
He performed with the Unity Theatre Group before spending nine years with the Citizen's Theatre Company in Glasgow.
The father of five also had roles in TV favourites Hamish Macbeth, Strathblair and Ivanhoe.

**

IS THIS CHIC YOB?

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: IS THIS CHIC YOB?

Daily Record, 07/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

These are the pictures which may help find the yob who threw a missile at Hibs star Chic Charnley.
They are taken from TV film which appears to show a Rangers fan throwing an object in the direction of the pitch during Saturday's match.
Charnley slumped to his knees and clutched his head during the seven- goal thriller with Rangers.
The player claimed he had been struck by a missile thrown by Rangers fans housed in the away enclosure at Easter Road.
Last night there were calls for the fan pictured here to come forward and explain what he was doing.
Ibrox bosses demanded proof before they launched their own investigation into the incident.
The pictures shown on STV's Scotland Today programme last night seemed to add weight to Charnley's claims.
Referee Bobby Tait's match report is expected to arrive at the SFA's headquarters today.
Two plastic bottles were also thrown in the direction of Rangers players after Marco Negri's last- minute winner.

**

Drug problem licked

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Drug problem licked

Daily Record, 09/10/1997, p26 
by SHAUN MILNE

Police reckon they'll soon have the problem of junkie drivers licked - thanks to LOLLIPOPS.
Boffins at Glasgow University have created a new roadside test to find out if drivers are under the influence of drugs.
Motorists will be asked to lick a lolly stick coated in secret chemicals which will show if they've taken substances like Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.
If the result is positive, motorists will then be asked to give a blood sample.
It's thought to be the first test of its kind in the world.
Superintendent Alastair McLuckie, of Strathclyde Police, said: "Effective tests for alcohol have sent life- saving messages to drivers and we need the same for drugs.
"The problem is that while many drivers see drinking as a danger they do not recognise drugs as a similar one.
"If this proves effective it could contribute a tremendous amount to safety on our roads."
The Government are funding 75 per cent of Glasgow University's £60,000 trial of the new device.

**

I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: I HEARD MY BOY DIED ON CAR RADIO

Daily Record, 13/10/1997, p12 
by Shaun Milne

The parents of a hero teenager heard on their car radio he had died trying to save a pal.
Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned after a boat trip ended in tragedy.
He was stranded with flatmate Kevin Haggerty, 31, after the engine failed during sea trials.
Brave Kingsley, from Sandhead, near Stranraer, vanished while trying to swim the quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
His parents, Marie and Kingsley snr, were making a frantic dash north from Halifax, Yorkshire, after they heard their son was missing.
Kingsley snr, who moved south to work as a prison officer, said: "We heard he was dead on the car radio. The family are in bits."
Kinglsey's body was spotted at Sandhead by a search helicopter. His companion, Kevin, stayed in the boat and eventually drifted ashore.
Kingsley's parents were joined by his aunt, Kim, and uncle, Charlie, for a moving tribute to the teenager on the Sandhead shoreline yesterday afternoon.
They stood at the water's edge in silent prayer and laid flowers before making a tearful journey home.
Earlier, scores of villagers had combed the shoreline, and sobbing mum Marie, 37, said: "The whole village was here for him but we weren't.
"Please tell them thank you."
A coastguard spokesman said the 14ft boat was in a very poor condition.
He added: "It was in no way seaworthy."
Kingsley, who recently passed college exams, had applied to join the RAF.
He had been engaged to childhood sweetheart Fiona Wilson, 17, for about a year.

**

BONFIRE FRIGHT!

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: BONFIRE FRIGHT!

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

A hard-hitting series of ads will drive home the dangers of fireworks this year.
The disturbing ads will feature pictures of children maimed in Bonfire Night madness.
Yesterday's launch of a £250,000 campaign came as it was revealed Scotland has the worst record for firework hooligans in Britain.
The safety message is aimed mostly at boys aged 10 to 15 in the Glasgow area and northern English cities.
TV ads will feature Neil Morrissey from Men Behaving Badly. Gladiator Cobra will also visit Glasgow schools to boost the campaign.
Eighty five Scots were injured by fireworks last year. But 57 per cent of the incidents were caused by thugs throwing fireworks.
In England, the total injured by yobs was just 20 per cent.
From midnight tomorrow, the sale of larger fireworks will be banned. The legal age for buying fireworks will also be raised from 16 to 18.
From the start of next year, the size of smaller fireworks like Roman candles will be limited. And mini-rockets and bangers will be outlawed then.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths said it would be impractical to ban "nuisance" fireworks until next year.
But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised the delay.

**

BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: BRAVE KINGSLEY DIED TRYING TO SAVE ME

Daily Record, 14/10/1997, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A boat tragedy survivor told yesterday how his pal died trying to save him.
Kevin Haggerty, 32, spent TEN hours in bitterly cold water after his boat slowly sank at Luce Bay off the Galloway coast.
He clung desperately to the wreck as rescue helicopters failed to spot him - and only the thought of his five-year-old daughter, Amy, kept him going.
His pal, Kingsley Bradshaw, 19, drowned as he tried to swim a quarter of a mile to shore to raise the alarm.
Kevin said: "We decided one of us should try and Kingsley said he would go because he was younger and fitter.
"I emptied a petrol can and told him to use it as a float and we agreed to keep shouting to each other. He shouted twice and that was it."
The friends, of Sandhead, near Stranraer, were taking the boat out on Friday for a test run.
But it started taking in water after its engine failed, leaving them sinking and drifting out to sea.
Still exhausted from his ordeal, Kevin went on: "I went down to the beach last night.
"There was about 15 of us who just went down to lay some flowers."
Kingsley's distraught parents, Marie, 37, and Kingsley snr, 38, had made a similar pilgrimage earlier in the day.
Marie said: "The whole village was here for him. Please make sure everybody is thanked."

**

TOP OF THE POPADOMS

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: TOP OF THE POPADOMS

Daily Record, 15/10/1997, p13 
by Shaun Milne

Mohammed Butt is hot stuff when it comes to curries.
For he's been named Britain's Indian chef of the year.
The award comes from the 1998 Good Curry Guide who declared Mohammed their red- hot favourite.
And delighted Mohammed yesterday beamed: "This is a real honour to get this award because it puts me on the map.
"Cooking just comes naturally to me which is why I think people like my food so much.
"What gives me the greatest pleasure is customers coming up and saying how much they enjoyed their meal."
Mohammed, 34, has run The Shamiana restaurant in Edinburgh's Brougham street with brother Nadim, 33, for six years.
His reputation is so good they need to open their curry house only four hours a night.
Stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Ronnie Corbett and Rowan Atkinson have all sampled Mohammed's cooking.
The brothers started off their career washing dishes at the Ashoka in Glasgow's Elderslie Street.
That Ashoka was named best Indian restaurant in Scotland by the guide.
Yesterday, boss Parminder Purewal, 24, attended the curry awards at the Cafe Royal in London.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant to be given this award. To be the best in Scotland is a real honour."
Scotland had five Indian restaurants featured in the hot 100 of favourite Indians across Britain.
The Verandah and Lancers Brasserie, both Edinburgh, and New Balaka Bangladeshi in St Andrews all curried favour. 

**

Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Fireworks thugs put guide dog on valium

Daily Record, 16/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Fireworks attacks by yobs have led to a blind OAP's terrified guide dog being put on tranquillisers.
The thugs pounce on 80-year-old Isobell Henderson as she walks with golden labrador Roxy.
And yesterday Isobell, who stays in sheltered housing, told of her ordeal.
She said: "The first time all I could hear was this squealing noise from a rocket passing in front of us.
"It was only three yards away. I could hear them laughing at us from across the road.
"Roxy nearly jumped out of her skin but she's very loyal and kept working until we got home.
"But when I let her off the harness she went off her head."
Isobell added: "She was trembling, running about and was crying for hours. I got the vet out and he put her on tran- quillisers to calm her down.
"Since then it's happened every day with other bangers being thrown, so I've got to give her more. Her nerves are shredded.
"She won't be able to take much more and I'm scared she will be taken away from me."
Roxy refuses to go near the lane in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, where the first attack happened last Friday. And Guide Dogs for the Blind have said she may have to retire.
Disgusted police hunting the culprits said only luck prevented Roxy and Isobell from being badly injured.
Roxy has been Isobell's eyes and independence for the past four years.

**

SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: SHOOT BACK AND SIDES!

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Scotland's World Cup heroes are sure to score in France next year - if they get a haircut.
Three international players have hit the back of the net after getting a trim at Tom Murray's salon.
And now he's promised the whole squad a free trim to make them a cut above the opposition in France next year.
Rangers striker Gordon Durie was the latest scorer to get a head start from Tom.
His goal against Latvia was his first in a dark blue jersey for six years - and it came just 48 hours after he'd had his haircut.
Gordon wandered into the Francis Campbell salon in Troon, Ayrshire, with skipper Gary McAllister and super- striker Ally McCoist.
Manager Tom said: "The other two had been here before and gone on to score for Scotland. But it was the first time Durie had been in with them.
"I cut his hair myself and told him it was a lucky haircut I'd given him.
"He asked what I meant and I said any time I cut McCoist's hair he scored for Scotland - so he would as well. He just laughed.
"But as soon as I heard he had scored I had a wee chuckle and thought `aye, that's another one'.
Ally got a trim before winning his 50th cap at Hampden last year against Australia and scored to give Scotland a 1- 0 win.
And it was a McCoist header that gave us a 1-0 victory over Greece to clinch a place in Euro '96 - after another lucky haircut of course.
Tom's shop is one of five owned by businessman Frank Campbell.
He said: "It started with Ally coming in and every time he did he seemed to score afterwards.
"When I saw Durie heading into the net against Latvia I nearly fell off my chair. It's unbelievable."
Scotland's assistant coach, Alex Miller, said: "We didn't know about this - but if it works, we're all for it."

**

BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: BAN ON LETHAL LASERS

Daily Record, 24/10/1997, p11 
by Dave King, Shaun Milne and Mark McGivern

Labour are set to ban deadly laser pens thanks to the Daily Record.
The Government announced a crackdown yesterday after we told how thugs burned a hole in a fireman's eye with one of the powerful gadgets.
And as Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths vowed to get tough, a bus driver told how a laser lout almost made him crash with a cargo of passengers.
Robert Marrs, 56, was driving near Falkirk when the laser beam hit his eye.
"It was red hot," he said. "I had to shut my eyes and slam on the brakes, and I came close to crashing."
Robert, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, needed hospital treatment for a damaged retina.
He claims other drivers with his company, Midland Bluebird, have been attacked with lasers.
Robert was delighted to hear of the plans to ban the weapons.
"It's great the Daily Record has got it to this stage already," he said.
The clampdown was also welcomed by Gordon Anderson, the fireman who was wounded in a laser attack as he was driving his fire engine in Glenrothes, Fife, at the weekend.
Gordon said: "I would definitely support a ban. I know the damage these things can cause."
Griffiths has asked scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to write him a report on the lasers "at breakneck speed".
He wants them to give him the ammunition he needs to get the gadgets banned.
Griffiths said: "We want these dangerous toys off the market as soon as possible.
"The Record has shown they can cause horrific injuries."
Griffiths says some of the lasers, meant to be used as pointers at lectures, are FOUR TIMES more powerful than safe limits.
He wants to build a "foolproof" case against them, to make sure the traders selling them can't fight the ban through the courts.
But he promised swift action when the boffins' report is ready.
Griffiths also urged shopkeepers to volunteer to stop selling the lasers.
He was speaking in Paisley, where watchdogs yesterday acted on the Record's revelations by seizing several laser pens and key rings.
Ian Ferry, of Renfrewshire trading standards, said: "Shops have agreed to take them off the shelves until we have completed tests on them."
Ian's colleagues in Glasgow will visit shops today looking for lasers. Similar action has been taken in Edinburgh.
Police warned that laser louts who cause injuries will have the book thrown at them.
They are deeply concerned over reports of muggers and hold-up gangs using lasers to temporarily blind their victims.
Superintendent Campbell O'Connor of Strathclyde Police said: "Culprits could face assault charges.
"And if the lasers can be held to be offensive weapons, the penalties could be even more serious."
Leading eye surgeons fear the lasers could blind a child.
Motoring organisations also want them outlawed after several cases of mindless yobs distracting drivers with the toys.
Bosses at the Gadget Shop chain, who sell a range of laser pens, say they will consider withdrawing them.
Managing director Jonathan Elvidge said: "If it is made clear there are serious safety concerns, we would look to banning the products or restricting their sale."
The chain has sold around 10,000 lasers since 1993.
They have already banned under-16s from buying them, after complaints from head teachers.
The Rector of Aberdeen's prestigious Grammar School, Bill Johnston, yesterday revealed he has banned his pupils from carrying the lasers.
He took action after youngsters reported seeing classmates armed with the devices in playgrounds and corridors.

**

More victims are blinded by laser thugs

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: More victims are blinded by laser thugs

Daily Record, 25/10/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

Laser hooligans claimed five more victims in just 24 hours yesterday.
A fireman, a policeman, a teacher and a schoolboy all needed medical checks after being targeted.
And in Bradford, Yorkshire, yesterday, 28-year-old bus driver Nick Hudson was being treated for a laser burn after a vicious attack which could leave him permanently blind in one eye.
The attacks happened just hours after the Daily Record demanded a complete ban on laser sales following an attack on a Fife fireman and a Stirling- shire bus driver.
In Glasgow, nine-year-old Blair Ross was taken for an urgent eye test after being zapped in a playground prank.
Blair claimed a classmate shone a laser in his eyes at Eastbank Primary, Shettleston.
He said he couldn't see properly and that his eyes were watering and sore.
His 42-year-old mum, Anna, said: "His eyes were very sore.
"We rushed him to an optician who said there was no damage - but he was very lucky."
"These things have got to be banned, especially if kids are shining them at each other in school."
Dad Keith, 45, "These things are on sale at all over the place. This must be stopped."
At Marr College in Troon, Ayrshire, English teacher Bill Cook had to go for hospital tests after he was zapped in the eyes yesterday by two fourth- year pupils during class.
Mr Cook, of Kilmarnock, said: "I was certainly upset and got a fright.
"Even now I'm not convinced there won't be some long-term effects.
"I would support a ban on the sale of these things. I can see no point to them at all
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "As from this moment lasers are banned in our schools.
"We are treating this incident very seriously. We will be meeting with the boys' parents on Tuesday."
In Glasgow city centre, a 28-year-old policeman was hit in the eye as he patrolled John Street with a colleague.
He was treated for burns to his eye.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday in connection with the attack.
And in Drumchapel, Glasgow, a firefighter was targeted late on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged.

**

Threat to torch English holiday homes

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Threat to torch English holiday homes

Daily Record, 27/10/1997, p15 
by Shaun Milne

Racist thugs are threatening to torch English holiday homes in Scotland.
Hundreds of leaflets revealing the threats have been found.
Their chilling message in red print said, "Burn English holiday homes".
Now police have launched a probe to find out who is behind the sickening campaign.
Around 300 computer-printed leaflets were discovered in Bankfoot and Waterloo in Perthshire, last week.
The SNP's North Tayside MP John Swinney said he was disgusted by the leaflets.
He said: "There is absolutely no place in modern society for this sort of vulgar rubbish."
One Bankfoot resident, too scared to be named, said: "It makes you ashamed to be Scottish."
Historian Dr James Hunter has warned the situation could get worse.
He said: "People who hate the English think they're patriotic but it's nothing to be proud of.
"It's one foot on the slippery slope that leads to what happened in Yugoslavia."

**

I want my killer sister's children

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: I want my killer sister's children

Daily Record, 28/10/1997, p15
by Shaun Milne

A killer mum's daughters are at the centre of a love-tug battle.
Elaine Forrest is on three years' probation for killing her violent lover.
Her kids, Laura, eight, and three-year-old Lisa are staying with her at their new home in Holytown, Lanarkshire.
But their aunt, Christina Forrest, wants custody after caring for them for five months while Elaine was in jail awaiting trial.
Yesterday, she vowed to take her fight to the courts.
Christina, of Shotts, said: "I've seen a solicitor. I contacted the social work department as well and they've asked me to go in."
Elaine, 25, of originally of Broxburn, West Lothian, last year admitted culpable homicide after stabbing lover Desmond Hughes.
She had been repeatedly beaten and raped by him and the judge said she was no longer a danger.
Christina and partner Graeme Stead, both 36, looked after the kids while Elaine was in jail and brought them to greet their mum on her release.
But Christina said: "I've not seen them for months. I'm not allowed.
"Elaine's a walking, talking bag of nerves. I'm sick with worry.
"I can help look after her but she won't let me. It's breaking my heart.
"I told her I was putting in for custody of Laura and Lisa. She told me I was sick.
"Elaine needs help. I'd never dream of wanting custody if Elaine was OK."
But a defiant Elaine said: "It is all lies. I'm doing all right and so are the kids.
"Christina got too attached to the kids and she admitted that herself.
"We were close right up until I got my own place.
"She just couldn't handle me moving out with the bairns and started all this carry on.
"She's got no chance. I've seen a lawyer about it."
North Lanarkshire Council's social work department said they couldn't comment.

**

BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: BOATMAN IS RESCUED IN HIS BOXERS

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p20 
by Lesley Wright and Shaun Milne

A frozen sailor cheated death after being found clinging to the rudder of his boat in icy waters.
Douglas Houston had jumped into the sea clad only in boxer shorts to shove his yacht off a sandbank.
But the shock of the sudden cold left him unable to do anything except hang on for his life.
By chance, three friends were sailing the same stretch of the Clyde and pulled him out.
One of the rescuers, Stephen Montgomery, 18, said yesterday: "If we hadn't sailed past, he could easily have slipped under.
"He was so cold, he couldn't speak. He was almost frozen stiff when we lifted him out the water and on to our boat.
"If we hadn't come along, he could have died."
Stephen was helped during Monday night's dramatic rescue off Helensburgh by uncle Alex, 32, and their friend, William McIndewar, 32.
The men, all of Dumbarton, tried to reach shore at Craigendoran but could not anchor their cabin cruiser on the rocky coastline.
Stephen and Alex had to row ashore to raise the alarm.
Douglas, 38, of Greenock, was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and treated for hypothermia. He was allowed home yesterday but was reluctant to speak about his lucky escape.
Mum Beryl said: "I can't understand how it happened. Douglas is an accomplished sailor and not one to take risks. I was surprised."
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The man decided to jump in the water and lost all his strength. He's very lucky."

**

Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Lethal laser pens wiped off shelves

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p7 
by Shaun Milne

The Government last night ordered lethal laser pens to be swept off shop shelves.
Consumer minister Nigel Griffiths took swift action after a Daily Record campaign to ban the danger beams.
Police, firefighters and bus drivers have been zapped by laser thugs who shine the painful light into their eyes.
Yesterday we revealed a new report from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University showed that 14 out of 17 laser pens they tested did not meet official safety standards.
Griffiths responded by urging trading standards officers to remove from sale all pens which don't meet the safety levels.
He said: "I am appalled by these recent incidents. My action will help stop a repeat.
"Potentially dangerous products like these should be removed. Consumer safety is paramount."
Littlewoods banned them yesterday, just after printing millions of Christmas supplements advertising the lasers.
The catalogue firm acted after the Record told them about the dangers. A spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't sell anything that hasn't been tested. But the lasers doing the damage may well be the same ones we've been supplying."
The lasers, complete with keyrings, were selling for pounds 40 each - but could be paid up for as little as pounds 2 a week.
The ban comes as trading standards officers around the country launched their own crackdown.
East Ayrshire Council will report any shop owners selling them as toys.
Edinburgh trading standards chief Eric Robinson said his officers were scouring the city. He said: "We want these lasers off our streets."
Aberdeen made a similar move.
East Renfrewshire's trading standards chief, Steve Fox, warned: "Never look at lasers or shine them in anyone's eyes.
"Remember the category marking is often incorrect and the laser may be more dangerous than you realise."
* A POLICE officer was rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries yesterday after he was zapped with a laser pen in Bristol

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

HeadLine: HOW CAN I GO ON NOW MY POOR WEE SAM HAS GONE

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p4 

by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The distraught husband of suicide mum Morag Nicolson last night sobbed: "My whole world has collapsed."
Peter Nicolson feared the worst when Morag vanished with daughter Samantha 10 days ago.
Yesterday, he got the news he'd been dreading - his wife and daughter were dead.
Morag, who'd been suffering post-natal depression, said she was off to buy cigarettes and the Sunday papers.
But she drove into the Clyde, killing herself and seven-year-old Samantha.
Police divers found the blue Maestro on the bottom yesterday morning - and hours later completed the grim task of bringing the bodies to the surface.
Peter said: "I am just devastated. My poor little Samantha ... I just don't know what to say or do."
He and his two little boys, Peter, three, and eight-month-old Jack, were being comforted by relatives.
The heartbroken dad said: "Somehow I will have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my sons."
Peter was still in bed when Morag, 32, left their home in Bracken Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, on October 19.
Before she left, she told Peter: "I love you."
He said: "Morag was feeling a bit down, but she said it wasn't anything to worry about.
"However when she left me in bed that Sunday and said `I love you' I felt there was something not quite right.
"It seemed somehow like a last goodbye."
Peter, 32, also thought back to their last big day out together.
He said: "I will never forget October 7 - it was Samanatha's seventh birthday.
"My Morag was so happy. She told me, `Let's give her a right treat.'
"So we got her all dressed up and the three of us went out for a slap- up meal and took in a movie.
"We even took Samantha to a fancy shop and bought her a gold ring. She thought it was the best present she ever had.
"I have never seen Morag in such great form.
"There was no real warning sign that she was ill."
Morag's sister, Ann Bratton, 26, flew 4000 miles from her home in Canada when she heard about the mum- of-three's disappearance.
Yesterday, she said: "We are completely devastated."
The nationwide hunt for Morag and Samantha started within 24 hours of their disappearance.
Police were in touch with relatives across Scotland and England and a helicopter was brought in to join the search.
But just after 10am yesterday, the hunt was called off.
Police divers searching the Clyde found a car in the water behind a council depot in Port Glasgow.
They established it was the Nicolsons' car - and there were two bodies inside.
The area was cordoned off and officers broke the tragic news to the Nicolson family.
After the bodies were recovered, a line was attached to the sunken car and a crane brought it to the surface.
Peter, his sons and sister-in-law were due to make an emotional plea to Morag to come home today.
Detectives had organised a news conference as part of their search for the missing mum and daughter.
But a police spokeswoman said last night: "We can confirm that the body of a female and a child were recovered during an operation in Port Glasgow earlier today."

**

BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: BABY BLUES MUM AND GIRL, 7 DEAD

Daily Record, 29/10/1997, p1 
by Shaun Milne and Charles Beaton

The bodies of a missing mum and daughter were found in a car at the bottom of the Clyde yesterday.
Morag Nicolson, who had post-natal depression, disappeared 10 days ago with seven- year-old Samantha.
She told her hubby "I love you" and drove off to buy newspapers. But she and Samantha were never seen again.

**

I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: I could hear the weans crying but heat beat me back ..

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p4 
by Grace McLean and Shaun Milne

A hero postie told last night how he fought in vain to save a mum and her three young children from their burning home.
John Farrell tried to reach Michelle Wilson, 22, and crying tots Jackie, three, Katie, two, and eight-month-old Brian.
But he and the kids' father, David, 23, were driven back by heat and smoke.
The four bodies were found later, huddled together in a bedroom.
John, 38, had just delivered mail to the Wilsons' maisonette home in Cranhill, Glasgow, yesterday morning when the blaze erupted.
He told the Record: "It was absolutely terrible. I'll never forget it.
"I had just put some mail through their door. Next thing I knew, the windows were blown out.
"David Wilson was hanging out of a window, shouting for help.
"I could hear the weans crying. And their poor mother was screaming, screaming for help.
"I kicked the door in and tried to run upstairs to where I could hear them.
"But there were too many flames.
"I couldn't see anything and the heat was beating me back.
"I tried, I really tried. I just couldn't get to them.
"David smashed the window and climbed out. He was hanging on the ledge with his legs over the side.
"He was bleeding everywhere and only had his boxer shorts on because he was just out of bed.
"I managed to pull him on to the veranda. Before that, I told him to throw the weans to me and I'd catch them but he said he couldn't reach them.
"The kids were still crying and their mum was screaming at the top of her voice. She was desperate but there was nothing we could do.
"Then, all of a sudden, it went quiet.
"I've never wished to hear noise more than I did then. The silence was awful.
"David was just out of it - devastated. He didn't know what was going on.
"We tried to get back in but couldn't. Then the fire brigade came and took him to an ambulance."
The fire broke out at Bellrock Court, Cranhill, at 7.30am.
One neighbour said: "It was horrific. Michelle was screaming for help, then the place was engulfed."
Eyewitness Gary Collins, 27, said: "I looked out the window and there was smoke everywhere, like thick fog.
"Flames were leaping out the front and the back of the building.
"The family didn't stand a chance."
Police said: "It was a ferocious blaze which was well alight by the time we and the fire brigade arrived.
"It's a terrible tragedy, a young family wiped out in minutes."
Michelle's best friend, Donna Logue, 22, sobbed: "I can't believe she's gone.
"She used to visit me twice a week. Her children played with my little boy."
Michelle and David lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
Donna added: "Michelle put the baby in a pram and walked to her mum's. By the time she got there, he was dead.
"I've known Michelle since I was 12. I'll be lost without her as a friend."
David's mum, Roseanna Wilson, was at his bedside at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A friend said: "The family are all shattered, just waiting on news."
The Wilsons' upstairs neighbours, Alex Cassidy, 21, mum Isabel, 47, and brothers David, 18, and Christopher, 10, ran through choking smoke to escape the fire.
Alex said: "I thought we were going to die.
"We were gagging on the smoke and could hear glass shattering and the children screaming.
"When I went to the front door, I found David sitting on the pavement crying.
"He couldn't get in to save them. He tried so hard but it was too late."
As firemen cleared away broken glass and debris at the scene, grieving neighbours handed a simple bouquet of flowers to a policeman.
He laid them respectfully at the foot of the stairwell.
Soon after, onlookers bowed their heads as four pine coffins were carried out and put in the back of a van.
Strathclyde Firemaster John Jameson said: "We are still investigating but the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor of the two-storey maisonette.
"We are still trying to establish whether the family had a smoke alarm."
Mr Jameson said Michelle, David and baby Brian were asleep in a front bedroom when the fire broke out.
Michelle ran into a rear bedroom to try to get the two girls. David escaped by jumping from the bathroom window.
Senior Divisional Fire Officer Alistair McIntyre said it took only seven minutes for firefighters to respond to a 999 call.
But flames and thick smoke were belching out of the house by the time crews from Parkhead and Easterhouse reached the scene.
Firemen fought their way into the lower half of the maisonette, then found the bodies upstairs minutes later.
Mr McIntyre said the fire appeared to have started in either the downstairs living room or kitchen and had probably been smouldering for hours before it flared up.
He added: "This has been a very poignant warning that fires are fatal.
"It reinforces the message that people should always be aware of the dangers.
"Glasgow council has a policy of fitting smoke alarms, and we are still trying to locate where in the house it may be.
"It is not unusual for smoke detectors to fall from the ceiling when you are dealing with such very high temperatures."
A council spokesman said: "Glasgow City Council is deeply distressed by today's tragedy in Cranhill.
"Our staff are involved in a full investigation into the cause of the fire."
Stunned residents yesterday slammed their straw homes as death traps.
Isabel Cassidy, who escaped from the flat above the blaze home, said: "These houses are like tinder boxes."
And the local residents association have been asking the council for years to improve fire safety.
President Rosemary McKay, 40, said: "The walls in these houses are made of compressed straw.
"There was a sickly, sweet smell in the air caused by the walls burning like matchsticks.
"These flats can go up in minutes and nobody can escape."
Vice-president Helen McGuinness, 34, wants all the flats pulled down. She said: "They are lethal."
Forensic experts took samples of the straw insulation away for tests yesterday.
But firefighters insisted the straw wasn't a major factor in the blaze.
Senior Divisional Officer Alistair McIntyre said: "The the fire itself was the problem, not the insulation."
Glasgow City Council refused to comment on complaints about the flats or the straw insulation.

**

Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Dad's grief as wife and three kids die in blaze

Daily Record, 31/10/1997, p1
by Shaun Milne and Grace McLean

Young dad David Wilson was in torment last night after his wife and three young children were killed in a fire at their home.
David, 23, battled in vain to save Michelle, 22, daughters Jackie, three and Katie, two, and eight-month-old-son Brian.
He sobbed: "I have nothing left. My life is shattered. What am I going to do without them?"
As he recovered in hospital, David added: "I tried, I really tried. But I just couldn't reach them."
The blaze in Cranhill, Glasgow, erupted as the family slept yesterday morning.
David escaped by leaping through a window.
Samples of wall insulation made of STRAW were later taken away by forensic experts.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, David's mum Rosemary said: "He just can't take it in. I've got to be strong for him."
The Wilsons lost a baby son, also David, to cot death last year.
They moved into their maisonette at Bellrock Court six months ago, as they tried to rebuild their lives.
Rosemary, who lives nearby, said: "I couldn't bear to look at baby David's tiny white coffin.
"There's no way I can face this now, not so soon.
"We just had Brian christened on Sunday. Now our joy has turned to sorrow just like that.
"I'll have to move away from here. I can't walk past their house every day. I wish they'd just pull the whole place down."
Rosemary said David has chronic asthma, and suffered badly from the lungfuls of smoke he breathed in during his rescue bid.
He is also being treated for burns, and has stitches in his arms, legs and feet.
"He has always been quiet, very deep," she said.
"I don't think this will really hit him until later.
"Michelle was different, always jolly. David's life revolved around her and the kids."
Michelle's mum Elizabeth Graham was travelling north from her home in Blackpool last night.
The tragedy sparked calls for a probe into the safety of straw-lined houses in Cranhill. Locals branded them death traps.

**

Tears for sad mum Morag

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Tears for sad mum Morag

Daily Record, 05/11/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A tragic mum and daughter were laid to rest amid emotional scenes yesterday.
Mourners wept as they paid last respects to Morag Nicolson, 32, and her daughter Samantha, seven.
A week ago, their bodies were found in the young mum's car which had been driven into the River Clyde.
The grim find followed a 10-day search after they disappeared on a trip to local shops.
Morag is thought to have been suffering post-natal depression after the birth of her youngest son Jack, eight months.
Friends and relatives packed St Mary's Church in Port Glasgow, where Morag wed husband Peter nine years ago.
The Rev Stephen Barrett said it was only fitting that Morag and Samantha's last journey should begin there.

**

AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: AILEEN MURDER SQUAD SET TO END DEATH HUNT

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

Legal chiefs will decide within days whether to close their files on a 16- year-old murder mystery.
The killer of bank clerk Aileen Printie has never been found.
Five months ago a man was singled out as a prime suspect in her murder.
And police said they hoped to be able to charge a man with the murder.
But suspect Paul Andrews, 32, was found dead in his car weeks later.
Now the Crown Office in Edinburgh are to decide if the case should stay open.
Detective Superintendent George Brown confirmed they are awaiting instructions on the case.
A spokeswoman for the Procurator Fiscal said: "A report was sent to the Crown Office and we are expecting them to make a decision any day now."
Aileen, 31, was bludgeoned to death with a brick and left lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Her sister Moira Taylor made the discovery at Aileen's home in Longstone, Edinburgh, in 1981.
The case took a dramatic twist in the summer, when new evidence led to police quizzing ten people in connection with the killing.
They singled out Andrews, but weeks later the dad-of-three doused himself in petrol and set himself alight in his car in Edinburgh.
Andrews, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was questioned about the killing in 1981, but ruled out as a suspect. His family say he is innocent.

**

Cops hurt in laser attack

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Cops hurt in laser attack

Daily Record, 10/11/1997, p11 
by SHAUN MILNE

Three police officers suffered eye injuries when they were zapped by a high-powered laser pen.
One may be left with permanent damage by the attack, which followed a four hour stand- off.
A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack in Totton, near Southampton.
It comes weeks after the Daily Record persuaded the Government to look at the case for banning laser pens.
Saturday's incident began when three men and a woman refused to stop for a police motorcyclist. After two were arrested, the third holed up in a nearby house.
The laser pen was pointed at the officers as they moved to arrest him.
The injured policemen were taken for hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said: "These laser pens are very dangerous weapons indeed in the wrong hands."

**

31 die for price of a battery

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: 31 die for price of a battery

Daily Record, 13/11/1997, p32 
by SHAUN MILNE

More than a third of the Scots killed in house fires last year could have been saved for just £1.50.
That's all it would have cost to replace their smoke alarm batteries.
Last year, house blazes claimed the lives of 88 people, 31 of them because batteries had been taken out of the detectors.
The tragic toll was revealed in the chief inspector of fire services annual report published yesterday.
Firefighters found that half the houses hit by fires were fitted with smoke detectors - but 50 per cent of the alarms were not fitted with batteries.
Most smoke alarms take a simple PP9 battery which costs a mere pounds 1.49 from shops.
A fire brigade spokesman said: "It's hardly a huge price to pay when you consider it could cost them their life."
Report author Neil Morrison also said drugs and alcohol played a major part in the deaths of people in house fires.
He said: "In the majority of cases, people who have succumbed to fire have had their normal perception or reactive responses impaired as a result of the misuse of alcohol and or drugs."
More than 44 per cent of domestic fires were caused by carelessly dropped cigarettes or matches, while 20 per cent were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
Morrison hit out at fire chiefs for only employing one black firefighter among their 4500 employees in Scotland and only 24 female firefighters.

**

Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Bedsore patient, 71, needed legs cut off

Daily Record, 18/11/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE

A pensioner needed both legs amputated after he was left covered in bedsores at a Scots nursing home.
But 71-year-old Robert Orr was too weak to undergo the operation and he died nine days later, a fatal accident inquiry was told yesterday.
Daughter Mary Docherty said her father was taken from Kirknowe Nursing Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, to Law Hospital, near Carluke, covered in the painful sores.
It was there that doctors said her father was too frail for the operation.
Mrs Docherty, 49, of Castlehill Road, Wishaw, told the inquiry at Hamilton how her dad had suffered a stroke.
In April last year he fell, injuring his 72-year-old wife Jean, and it was decided he should go into the nursing home until she could recover.
Mrs Docherty, along with the rest of her family, claim the home was guilty of wilful neglect.
On June 23, her sister phoned and asked her to go to the home because she was very worried.
Mrs Docherty said she discovered her dad was in a bed soaked in urine and lying in agony.
A doctor was called the next day and the pensioner was transferred to Law Hospital.
Mrs Docherty said: "The matron said, `please don't let him go to hospital, we can look after him here'. I think she was terrified what the outcome would be."
She said the hospital doctors told her the sores were "the worst they had seen", and the doctors would complain to Lanarkshire Health Board.
Her sister, Jean McCaw, 32, from Wishaw, said she had complained to the Social Work Department and was later asked to meet the home's matron.
Mrs McCaw said the matron told her that her dad would die at the home.
Mrs McCaw added: "I was shocked. I just sat in the car and cried, I couldn't understand how this was happening."
The hearing continues.

**

LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: LOVER GAVE OUR BABY TO STRANGERS

Daily Record, 01/12/1997, p1 
by Anna Smith and Shaun Milne

A teenage mum gave her newborn baby away to a couple her parents met on holiday.
Janice Nimmo used to "borrow" the baby at weekends when dad Iain Reid made a 1000-mile trip to see her.
Now tot Lisa is at the centre of a bizarre custody battle. Last night, Iain was close to tears as he said: "She is being brought up by an old couple who are not even family.
"Yet I am her father and I cannot get to see my wee girl."
Janice's parents, Arthur and Mary, handed over the youngster, who is now three, to a Glasgow couple they met on holiday in Cyprus in 1994.
The baby was just eight weeks old at the time.
The Nimmos had forced the teenage sweethearts to split when Janice fell pregnant at just 17.
They wanted her to have an abortion but the pregnancy was too far on.
Janice and Iain continued to meet in secret and when Lisa was born he sneaked into the maternity hospital to visit them.
Iain, 22, of Dumbarton, said: "I sat with them day and night.
"I bathed Lisa and changed her and at that time I felt so happy.
"Janice even named the baby Lisa - the name I had chosen.
"But, a few weeks after she came out, she stopped bringing Lisa to see me. It just fell apart after that."
The baby was given over to Mary Ramsay, 55, and her 66-year-old husband, Ronald, who live in a council flat in Dalmarnock.
The courts have ruled the child can stay with them but now they have applied for full custody and hope to adopt Lisa.
Iain and his mum, Isabelle, have no rights to see Lisa, although they both got access in the past.
Forklift truck driver Iain used to travel the 500 miles from London to Glasgow and back every weekend just to see his daughter when he was working down south.
He had no idea Janice had dumped her and only borrowed her while he was back.
Last night, Janice claimed she always put Lisa first.
She said: "Lisa is my world. One day she'll be living back with me, there's not a doubt in my mind about that.
"But I want to get myself secure financially.
"Lisa is happy, safe and I can see her any time I want."
In tears, Janice claimed she handed the baby over because it was for the best.
She added: "Things are better off the way they are. She's somewhere she can get all the love she needs.
"Iain will never get custody. I'll never let Iain take her. I hate him."
Janice's mum Mary, of Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, said: "We were quite happy with this arrangement.
"We could not look after her because we both work.
"We have known the Ramsays for years and there is an old saying that you can pick your friends but not your relatives."
The Ramsays hit out at Iain and claimed he had no right to fight for his daughter.
Mary said: "Iain should get his facts straight.
"He is rubbing her nose in the dirt.
"We have had Lisa since she was eight weeks old.
"The social work are happy and the courts gave us permission to look after her."
Ronald added: "It was always going to be a temporary arrangement until Janice got on her feet.
"It is still temporary as far as we are concerned and we have no complaints from Janice."
Iain now hopes a court will return his access rights and eventually grant him custody of his daughter.

**

LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: LUCY'S JAIL GROOM FLIES HOME ALONE

Daily Record, 03/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The new husband of jailed nurse Lucy McLauchlan flew back to Britain yesterday.
And Grant Ferrie told how he and his bride had only burgers and cola to toast their future.
His next mission was to describe every detail of the wedding to Lucy's mum and dad.
Grant said: "It was the happiest day of my life. Lucille looked really well, the best I have seen her in all my visits.
"She was even wearing make-up."
Her mum and dad, Stan and Ann, were unable to attend the ceremony in a Saudi courthouse.
The 20-minute ceremony was conducted in Arabic, then the couple exchanged two simple gold bands Grant brought from home.
The newly-weds were later taken to Dammam police station where the British embassy had laid on the food.
Before having to leave his new wife in a Saudi prison, Grant gave her a simple kiss and told her to "take care".
Yesterday, he arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with Lucy's brother John, who gave his sister away.
Also on the flight were Sandra and Jonathan Asbee, the sister and brother- in-law of Lucy's co-accused Debbie Parry, 38, of Hampshire.
John and Grant took a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
Dundee nurse Lucy, 32, is serving four years in a Saudi jail for her alleged part in the murder of Australian colleague Yvonne Gilford.
Debbie has still to hear her fate but the threat of a death sentence has been lifted.
Grant and Lucy wed after getting special permission from the Saudi authorities.
They became engaged in March last year, before Lucy went to Saudi. They decided to go ahead with the wedding as a gesture of commitment.
Lucy's parents, of Blackness Road, Dundee, are believed to be planning to visit their daughter before Christmas.

**

JUST BRAZILLIANT!

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: JUST BRAZILLIANT!

Daily Record, 05/12/1997, p3 
by Shaun Milne

Rocker Rod Stewart last night begged the Tartan Army: "Don't start the party without me."
Scotland's most famous fan is looking out his tartan tammy and changing his schedule so he can join the faithful in France.
Talking exclusively to the Record from his US base, Rod said: "We've got a great chance of making it to the next round.
"I'm so proud we got through in the first place. The lads have done brilliantly under Craig Brown.
"I feel in my heart we can beat Norway and Morocco, and who knows what will happen against Brazil."
Rod asked the Record to phone him in LA as soon as we knew who Craig Brown's troops would be up against.
When we called, he said: "This is brilliant. I can't wait. I'll see you in Paris.
"It's still six months away but I'm excited already."
He revealed that his whole world tour had been put on hold until he made sure of the venues, so his gigs would be near the games.
He added: "I'll try and arrange to meet the squad while I'm there because I've had great fun meeting them between games in the past."
Wife Rachel and son Liam will be in France with him, but neither are likely to be at any games with him.
He said: "I usually go with my brothers and friends. It's always a great boys' day out."

**

Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

THE WATER'S LOVELY

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Shock tactics aim to scare kids off drugs

Daily Record, 06/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Shock images of date rape and mental problems are to be used to scare kids off drugs.
The hard-hitting campaign is to be shown on TV across Scotland from tonight.
It will be backed up by radio ads, posters and leaflets that Scotland Against Drugs hope will grab youngsters' attention and persuade them to steer clear of drugs.
Campaign director David Macauley said: "We make no apologies if this is a shocking campaign.
"It's got to be a bit more shocking and provocative if it's to have any effect."
Images include a disturbing scene leading to date rape, the face of a raver melting after taking drugs and a young girl screaming uncontrollably at a club.
Mr Macauley said: "The traditional `just say no' messages have been about health. This is different.
"What we're trying to do is shift the culture so people say drugs are unacceptable in the same way the drink driving campaign has worked."
Tom Farmer, chairman of the Scotland Against Drugs campaign, which is backed by the Daily Record, said: "Some critics may say the adverts are too shocking but we make no apologies.
"If they upset some adults, that will be a small price to pay if it helps persuade youngsters that taking drugs isn't always a fun experience, as some would have them believe."

**

Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

HeadLine: Chain gang mayhem on new M-way

Daily Record, 07/12/1996, p11 
By SHAUN MILNE

Protesters caused chaos at the opening of a new motorway yesterday by chaining themselves to the central reservation.
Workmen had to cut away part of the crash barrier to release the three men and three women.
They had covered their arms with metal piping so the chains could not be cut away.
Instead, a section of the central reservation had to be removed from the controversial M77 extension, at Corkerhill, Glasgow.
Southbound traffic was stopped for 15 minutes and disrupted for a further hour as they were cut free.
Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth had opened the pounds 53million Ayr route just moments earlier, describing it as "vital" to Scotland's infrastructure.
But demonstrator Isla Scott, 33, blasted: "We don't want it. The fight goes on until we get some compensation."
Six people were detained in police custody and a report was being sent to the fiscal.
Earlier, a bridge over the motorway was sealed after claims protesters planned to drop missiles off it to block the new road.
Three miles from where Forsyth opened the M77, Corkerhill Community Council chairman Walter Morrison said: "This road is dividing a community that has
money away from one that has none.
"But what I'm concerned about is our youngsters who say they'll just walk across the road.
"It's an accident waiting to happen."
Glasgow Govan MP Ian Davidson hit out: "Millions have been on this road and virtually nothing has been put into the community it passes through.
"Promises were made and have been broken."
The M6 is to be extended from Carlisle to Gretna to link with the A74M to Glasgow, it was announced yesterday.

**

Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

HeadLine: Shoppers get free shot of alcopops

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p13 
By SHAUN MILNE

Supermarket giants Sainsbury were slammed yesterday for dishing out free alcopops.
Samples of a potent new lemon brew were given to Christmas shoppers.
Last night Labour's consumer affairs spokesman Nigel Griffiths blasted the freebies.
He demanded assurances that children weren't being offered the drink.
His call came as the first alcopop ads began to appear on TV before the 9pm watershed, prompting fears they would tempt teeny tipplers.
Griffiths warned: "I'm concerned there is going to be an explosion of alcopops over Christmas."
Staff at Sainsbury's Savacentre store in Edinburgh confirmed they'd been handing out free samples of a new French brand, Lemoniac.
It has an alcohol content of four per cent.
Griffiths also claimed Sainsbury had a "poor record" after a previous BBC probe showed youngsters could buy booze in their stores.
The Daily Record has been campaigning against alcopops and Chancellor Ken Clark slapped 8p on a bottle in the Budget, in a bid to price them out of
children's reach.
Ann Furst, from the Scottish Council on Alcohol, said: "I would hope that Sainsbury ensure under- 18s don't get to drink these free samples."
A spokesman for Sainsbury said it was policy not to offer the samples to youngsters.
He admitted the alcopops promotion is on offer at 12 Savacentre stores and 133 Sainsbury supermarkets across the country.

**

FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

HeadLine: FLIGHT OUT OF ORDER!

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p6 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE and TOM LITTLE 

Three bosses from the hospital at the centre of the E Coli outbreak went on a trip to the US at the height of the crisis.
Monklands Hospital chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon were involved in an eight-day trip.
They jetted off a week past on Sunday as their doctors had to shut their doors to all but emergency patients.
Details of their trip emerged yesterday as the tragic toll from the killer bug outbreak rose to 10 with the death of 87-year-old Christina Wright.
Last night Jim Currie and his two colleagues were under fire for going to a health care conference in New Orleans as the crisis deepened.
Currie was blasted last night by the dad of six-year-old Jennifer Snodgrass, one of the youngest victims of the outbreak treated at Monklands.
Robert Snodgrass, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, hit out: "It's absolutely ridiculous.
"I just can't believe the people who run that hospital are away on what is a holiday at the time when so many people are ill.
"It just goes to show the importance that they've attached to this."
Mr Snodgrass, 44, said he and his wife Anne were considering legal action over Jennifer's illness.
He said: "That little girl has gone through hell."
Monklands East MP Helen Liddell also slammed Currie's trip, saying: "With the benefit of hindsight, it may not have been the wisest thing to do."
Last night a Monklands Hospital spokesman defended Currie's decision to leave his hospital 10 days ago as the E Coli crisis worsened.
He said: "It was a last minute decision to go. The decision was taken on the back of the evidence that was there.
"They were confident from both a clinical and administration point of view that everything was in hand.
"This conference had been arranged for months in advance. It had nothing to do with E Coli."
The spokesman even threatened co-operation with the Daily Record would suffer if we reported the trip.
Currie and his colleagues returned to Scotland yesterday and were back at work being updated about the crisis.
Meanwhile, the family of ninth victim Mary Paisley yesterday accused health authorities of causing her death.
Great-gran Mary, 83, of Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, died in Bankview Nursing Home, Banknock, on Sunday after being released from Falkirk Royal
Infirmary.
Two of her daughters June, 45, and Wilma, 49, revealed she had eaten contaminated meat bought after health officials first guessed the source of the outbreak.
The meat was bought on November 23 from a Scotmid store in Bonnybridge supplied by butcher John Barr.
That was a day after health inspectors visited Barr.
June and Wilma hit out: "Our mum would still be alive today if a list of all the shops supplied by John Barr had been issued to the public immediately.
"The staff at the nursing home would not have fed that meat to the patients.
"Our mum suffered from dementia. She was very frail. But her death was totally unnecessary."
Mary was the second Bankview Home resident to die.
Arthur Nicol, 79, of Bonnybridge, died in Falkirk Royal Infirmary last Friday.
And yesterday the death of Christina Wright took the tragic toll into double figures.
The Bonnybridge woman had been rushed to Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow from Falkirk on Saturday for emergency treatment.
George Moore, solicitor for John Barr, the Wishaw butcher at the centre of the outbreak, had no comment to make yesterday.

**

Health crisis chiefs jet off

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

HeadLine: Health crisis chiefs jet off

Daily Record, 10/12/1996, p1 
EXCLUSIVE By SHAUN MILNE 

Three health chiefs flew to the US as their hospital was swamped by E Coli victims.
They jetted out on an eight-day trip while doctors at Monklands Hospital were forced to turn away patients.
Chief executive Jim Currie, nursing director Dorothy Stewart and a surgeon bragged of their health care record at a New Orleans conference.
The scandal emerged as Britain's worst food poisoning outbreak claimed 10th victim Christina Wright, 87.
Her heartbroken son Matt, 59, said last night: "Whoever took my mother away from me deserves to be brought to justice.
"She was fit and healthy. She still had a full life, and she died after eating poisoned meat. You cannot tell me that was no one's fault."
Matt said Scottish Office bureaucrats and local health officials were not doing enough to tackle E Coli.
He said: "All I have to say to them is: YOU try and bury your mother, then tell me how you feel."
Widow Christina died two weeks after becoming infected. She had bought roast beef at a ScotMid store yards from her home near Bonny-bridge, Stirlingshire.
The meat at been supplied by Wishaw butcher John Barr.
Staff at the ScotMid shop burst into tears yesterday when Matt told them of the tragedy.
He said: "I don't blame ScotMid. But someone was responsible.
"I loved my mother. I worshipped the ground she walked on. What will I do without her?"
The ninth victim, Mary Paisley, 83, also died after eating Barr meat bought at a ScotMid shop. Her family say she would have lived if a list of shops selling suspect meat had been published sooner.

**

FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

HeadLine: FALLING RADIATOR CRUSHES TEACHER

Daily Record, 11/12/1996, p5 
by Shaun Milne 
A teacher was crushed under a falling RADIATOR in front of terrified primary pupils in a school hall.
Janet Strang, 49, survived the freak accident. But her husband Robert said last night: "Thank God it wasn't a wee kid under there."
The five-foot steel heater - packed with bricks to retain warmth - came off the wall as Janet tried to pick up a child's glove from behind it.
It took three staff members to lift it off her.
Janet suffered a broken leg and severe bruising to her pelvis in the accident at Gargunnock Primary School in Stirlingshire.
She was rushed to Stirling Royal Infirmary, and is now recovering at home.
Robert, 50, of Holmsteads, near Stirling, added: "It had been a wet day, and Janet was just getting one of the kiddies' gloves which had dropped off the heater.
"She has a plaster right up to the top of her leg.
"She's worried about being off work, because she has just started there full time.
"But I'm just glad Janet is still with me."
A Stirling Council spokesman said: "Immediately after the teacher was taken to hospital, we contacted workmen to secure the heater.
"We have since alerted all local schools asking them to check every storage heater.
"The Health and Safety Executive and our own safety team are looking into this dreadful incident."

**

Axe fears grow for air traffic control

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

HeadLine: Axe fears grow for air traffic control

Daily Record, 16/12/1996, p17 
by Shaun Milne

Fears were growing yesterday that a vital Scots air traffic control centre could get the chop within a fortnight.
Around 600 jobs will go if the centre at Prestwick is axed.
Bosses at the Civil Aviation Authority are deciding whether to keep the centre open or concentrate air traffic control services at West Drayton in Middlesex.
But yesterday, furious George Foulkes, Labour MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, warned closing Prestwick could lead to disaster in the skies.
He blasted: "Having one centre is an absolutely crazy idea.
"If West Drayton was hit by terrorists or a power failure there would be no-one to take over.
"At least now one centre can take over in case anything goes wrong. Losing this belt-and-braces approach could result in all sorts of tragedies."
Foulkes also claimed axeing Prestwick was part of the Government's plan to privatise air traffic control.
He said the closure would save money and make it a more attractive proposition to potential investors.
But Ayr Tory MP Phil Gallie hit back and said his party were calling for private finance for air traffic control and not closure.

**

HeadLine: THE WATER'S LOVELY

Daily Record, 17/12/1997, p4 
by Shaun Milne

Fatcat Ernest Chambers sickened his suffering customers yesterday - by bragging about the lovely water in his holiday paradise.
The chief executive of crisis-hit West of Scotland Water raved over the "wonderful aquatic environment" in the Maldive Islands.
Families cut off by Scotland's worst water fiasco were outraged.
One furious mum said: "Chambers should get the boot for this."
Chambers - salary £101,000 - spoke after finally returning from the £1500- a-fortnight Fun Island resort in the Indian Ocean.
He had refused to come home early, even though a diesel spill last Tuesday crippled his organisation and left 60,000 people near Glasgow without water.
Thousands of families are still having to queue for supplies in freezing cold.
Schools and businesses remain closed, and officials can't say how long the crisis will go on.
But as the Government launched a probe, tanned Chambers insisted he'd done nothing wrong.
Asked how he'd enjoyed his break, he said: "When you look at the situation here, my main memory is of the lovely aquatic surroundings.
"It is an unspoilt environment, quite beautiful."
Chambers claimed it was better for him to keep up with the chaos in Glasgow by phone.
He added: "There is no way anyone can be available all the time.
"The operations director and finance director shadow me in the executive role.
"I have full confidence in their abilities, and I respect their judgment and the way it was exercised."
West of Scotland Water have been slammed for waiting hours before warning the public of the spill, and for telling hundreds of customers their water was safe when it wasn't.
In the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Norman Godman branded quango staff "a bunch of useless incompetents" for not having a contingency plan to deal with the crisis.
Godman claimed Scotland's other two water boards were much better prepared for emergencies.
But Chambers praised his staff, saying: "When the enormity of what has happened comes out, people may have a different view.
"Restoring supplies has been a huge exercise. Staff have been working flat out."
His words only made cut-off customers more angry.
Home help Kate Allan, 49, of Milngavie, said: "He should get the boot for what he said. In fact, he should be sacked over all of this.
"We've been without water for days, and now we're being told it may not even be right for Christmas.
"Chambers should hang his head in shame, or come down and explain to people himself what is going on."
Kate said her son Terry, 28, had lost a week's wages through illness after drinking contaminated water.
Stephanie Findlay, 21, of Faifley, Clydebank, said: "It's OK for Chambers to go swanking off on holiday while we're left here.
"But how stupid can he be, telling us how good a time he had?
"We don't care what he did. We want to know what he's GOING to do."
Chambers insisted he felt sorry for customers, adding: "We're determined to have supplies restored to allow them to continue Christmas preparations."
Around 5000 households are still without water. They will be told individually when their supplies are safe.
Chambers and his fellow-bosses will have to explain themselves to an inquiry set up by Scots Secretary Donald Dewar.
Water expert Robert Fraser has until March to find out what went wrong.
Dewar told MPs that West of Scotland Water chairman John Jameson could be booted if Fraser's report proves damning.
He said: "I have spoken to the chief executive and chairman of West of Scotland Water today.
"I shall not make judg-ments before I see the report, but if further action is required I shall not hesitate to take it."
Dewar spoke as he announced a shake-up of Scotland's water, designed to get more elected councillors on to water boards.
The £50,000 a year chairmen of the East and North boards are to be replaced, with the new men earning just half that amount.
Jameson stays in post - for the moment at least.

**

Fears for Maria, 14

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

YOUR TEA'S OUT!

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Fears for Maria, 14

Daily Record, 19/12/1996, p9 
by Shaun Milne

A missing schoolgirl was asked to get in touch yesterday by her distraught dad.
Maria Gargaro, 14, disappeared from her Dunbartonshire home almost six weeks ago.
And last night he father Gino, 32, said: "I don't know why she left but, whatever it is, we can sort it out."
He added: "I just want her to come home and to know she's safe. I'm pinning all my hopes on Christmas."
Roofer Gino said Maria - whose 14-year-old cousin Caroline Glachan was found murdered in a river four months ago - phoned a few days after she left but wouldn't say where she was.
But she has been seen in the Anderston area of Glasgow and at soup kitchens throughout the city.
Worried Gino added: "I just didn't expect it to drag on for as long as this.
"All I'm asking is that she phones to let me knows she's well."
Gino added the strain of Maria's disappearance was taking its toll on her grandparents William and Irene.
He said: "They still haven't got over Caroline's death and if something happened to Maria it would leave them devastated."

**

HeadLine: YOUR TEA'S OUT!

Daily Record, 18/12/1997, p31 
by SHAUN MILNE

Boffins at a top research lab have been banned from making cups of tea by Scrooge bosses.
Homemade sandwiches are also being outlawed in a bid to boost canteen profits.
Managers have ordered kettles, cups and spoons to be cleared from offices.
But the ban has provoked a furious backlash from the 200 workers at the Hannah Research Institute near Ayr - who carry out safety checks on dairy produce.
One parched boffin claimed: "Staff are to be searched on arrival in the morning to ensure they are not smuggling in kettles or secreting tea-bags.
"Unlike schoolchildren, scientists are obviously not capable of making choices about where they eat their lunches."
Bosses have sent a memo to all departments telling them of the ban, which comes into force on New Year's Day.
An institute spokeswoman said they could not keep the subsidised canteen open unless people started using it.

**

Nurse dies in front of her work pals

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Nurse dies in front of her work pals

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A nurse collapsed and died in front of horrified hospital workmates.
Kareen Walker suffered a massive brain haemorrhage as she chatted to pals.
The 23-year-old collapsed outside the hospital's accident and emergency department.
Kareen, from Brora Drive, Renfrew, said she had a head-ache and wanted fresh air.
Minutes later, shocked colleagues at Kings College Hospital, in London, were fighting to save her life.
Patients who saw her collapse on Saturday night stood sobbing as she was treated.
She was taken to the neurology department for emergency brain surgery.
From there, she was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit but died on Sunday.
It emerged she had the same kind of brain condition that killed former Scotland footballer Davie Cooper.
Parents Elspeth and Chris travelled south to find their daughter hooked up to a life support machine. But a decision was taken to turn it off.
Mum Elspeth said: "She just looked peaceful. They told us it was quick and she wouldn't have suffered."
Dad Chris added: "She was full of fun. All she ever wanted to be was a nurse."
Kareen's parents decided to allow her organs to be donated and four people have since been given the chance of life.
Trish Fitzgerald, head of nursing at the accident and emergency department, said: "Kareen was outgoing with a good sense of humour. She will be sadly
missed."

**

DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: DOC SENT BOY HOME IN AGONY

Daily Record, 19/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

A bungling doctor told a boy who broke his pelvis to go home and take painkillers.
Scott Simpson, nine, was told to get plenty of exercise when he should have been in bed resting.
Medics at Falkirk Royal Infirmary only got it right the next day when he went back in agony and saw another doc.
He ordered Scott, from Rannoch Place, Falkirk, to have an X-ray.
It showed his pelvis had been broken in two places. The youngster spent six days in hospital bed and the rest of the summer in a wheelchair.
Scott's parents want an investigation.
Dad Billy, 44, said: Scott should never have been sent home in the first place.
"For us to be five months down the line without an apology or explanation is ridiculous."
Scott was injured in a riding accident.
The hospital admitted the blunder but said they had written to the family.
They have sent a second copy of the letter and urged the Simpsons to contact them again if they are unhappy.

**

Sisters' babies due on same day

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Sisters' babies due on same day

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Two sisters are expecting little Christmas crackers - on the SAME DAY.
Karen Langslow, 34, and Marilynne Mitchell, 41, are in a Glasgow maternity hospital waiting for the big day.
And the family double has stunned medical staff.
Karen said: "There's been a lot of laughs. One auxiliary couldn't believe it and had to ask a doctor if it was true we were sisters."
The pair have been in hospital since last month and are sharing a room.
They have a condition called placenta praevia which means their babies could drown in the afterbirth and will have to be delivered by caesarean section.
Marilynne has been through the procedure before with other kids Ryan, 11, and Kyle, six.
But this is Karen's first - and she's been getting tips from her sister.
Karen said: "I can't wait but I'm nervous - not so much about giving birth but about becoming a mum and what to do.
"Having Marilynne here helps because she's been telling me what will happen and she also keeps me company."
Staff at the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital at Yorkhill have christened the sisters the Dynamic Duo.
They expect to deliver the babies over the next week or so - but the women are still waiting for an exact date.
It looks like the sisters, of Lennoxtown, Dunbartonshire, will have to spend Christmas in hospital.
Marilynne said: "The staff have been really good to us but we can't wait to get out and go home. I don't think we'll have another Christmas like this.
"Hopefully we'll get out for New Year.
"But as long as everything goes all right with the births then we'll be over the moon."

**

EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: EVIL THUGS STEAL OAPs' XMAS CASH

Daily Record, 20/12/1997, p17 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Callous thugs robbed two pensioners of their Christmas pension money in a cowardly attack.
The shaken couple have been left penniless and unable to buy any presents for their family.
Now they are too scared to go outside on their own.
Former soldier James Gilchrist, 80, and wife Jean, 78, were pounced upon in Ruchazie, Glasgow, shortly after they had left Gartloch Road Post Office.
A walking stick which James uses after a hip operation was kicked away by one of the thugs.
The frail pensioner was then thrown to the ground while the other man rifled through his pockets and found the money.
James bravely tried to hold on to it.
The fiends fled when Jean tried to help her husband who suffered injuries to his knee and shoulder.
Jean said: "How could anyone do this to us?
"That money was for Christmas and New Year. What are we going to do now?
"I was so frightened. If James had put up even more of a fight they could have taken a knife to him."
The old couple were so scared the attackers would trace them through the address on their pension books that they had to put more locks on their home.
Jean said: "I'm so scared. I can't sleep and I haven't been able to eat anything since. It's so cruel."
James, still shaken from the attack, said he tried his best to cling on to the money.
"I grabbed his hand but he was too strong," he said.
"They're cowards. They are just lucky they didn't try this 30 years ago."
Police have appealed for information about the thugs who struck on Thursday afternoon.
They were around 5ft 7ins. One was wearing a white or grey tracksuit top and blue jeans. The other had a black jacket and white baseball cap.
DC William Nicol said: "This couple have been left traumatised."
* Police in Glasgow are hunting heartless thieves who stole a charity bottle from the Netherton Inn, in Linden Place, Temple. Regulars had collected a four figure sum for Cash For Kids.

**

Peru turns heat on rebels

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Peru turns heat on rebels

Daily Record, 21/12/199, p2
by Shaun Milne 

The Peruvian government yesterday refused to free the jailed comrades of guerrillas holding nearly 400 hostages.
President Alberto Fujimori vowed not to give in to the left-wing rebels' demands.
He upped the stakes by cutting off water, electricity and telephones to the Japanese ambassador's home in Lima, which the gang stormed on Tuesday.
And he ignored requests to go and speak to them.
But his hard line sparked fears the group might carry out its threat to start executing the prisoners.
If that happens, troops aided by elite British SAS men are likely to storm the building.
The plight of the hostages - including British diplomat Roger Church and British businessman David Griffiths - is also worsening.
Four close to collapse were freed yesterday.
Some of those remaining have stomach ulcers and heart problems.
Meanwhile, Roger Church's Scots brother-in-law said they were waiting in hope for news of his release.
Speaking from his home in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Thomas Dryburgh said: "We're praying they'll get out safely."

**

HeadLine: Pension thieves won't hamper our Christmas

Daily Record, 22/12/1997, p11 
by Shaun Milne

The Daily Record played Santa yesterday to help an OAP couple celebrate the Christmas they thought they would never have.
James and Jean Gilchrist were left penniless after being robbed of their festive pension money.
The couple, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, were left in tears because they didn't have any cash to buy presents for their family.
So we handed them £200.
And supermarket bosses at Safeway were so touched they donated a luxury hamper and groceries worth £100.
Jean, 78, burst into tears when we turned up on their doorstep laden with goodies.
And former commando James, 80, said: "You've saved our Christmas. How can we ever thank you for this?
"We thought Christmas was ruined for good but you've restored our faith in people again. Thank you, Daily Record." The couple's nightmare ordeal happened last Thursday when they were attacked as they left Gartloch Road Post Office.
Both pensioners were left badly shaken by the attack and James, who had a recent hip replacement op, injured his knee, arm and shoulder.
But after yesterday's special delivery they were all smiles again and looking forward to the big day.
James said: "I can't believe this. This is the best present ever.
"We thought Christmas was cancelled for us this year. But now it's back on.
"It's good to know there are still kind people out there and not just the brutes who mugged us. All we can say is thank you. I don't know what we would have done without you."
Safeway manager Andy Bennett didn't hesitate to help when the Record told him of the attack.
He agreed to donate a luxury Christmas hamper to the couple and ordered staff to pack bags of other goodies from the shelves.
Andy said: "When we heard such a terrible thing had happened we were only too happy to help out.
"Hopefully our gift will bring them some festive cheer.
"Our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and I hope they enjoy the goods we've sent them."
Police last night arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

**

CANCER BEATS BOBBY

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

This Gladiator's ready

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: CANCER BEATS BOBBY

Daily Record, 26/12/1996, p21 
by Shaun Milne 

Former Scotland footballer Bobby Robinson has died of cancer at the age of 46.
And last night, one of his former managers paid tribute to the midfield star.
Gordon Wallace, who signed Robinson for Raith Rovers, said: "You could not have met a nicer person than Bobby."
Robinson - nicknamed Trigger because of his speed - was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian, and started off in junior football.
But he went on to spend 11 years in Scotland's top flight.
He was with Dundee for five years and played more than 200 games for the Dens Park side.
And he didn't cost them a penny - the Tayside club signed him on a free transfer from Falkirk in 1972.
Robinson, who died on Christmas Eve, won a League Cup winners' medal in 1973 when Dundee beat Celtic in the final and got his first cap a year later.
Scotland manager Willie Ormond picked him another three times for the national side - for games against Romania, Sweden and West Germany.
After leaving Dens Park, Robinson played for Dundee United, Hearts and Raith Rovers before quitting the senior game in 1983.
He became a school teacher in Kirriemuir, Angus, but kept on playing with a string of junior clubs.

**

HeadLine: This Gladiator's ready

Daily Record, 27/12/1997, p19 
by SHAUN MILNE 

Sprint ace Brian Whittle wants to join Wolf, Hunter and the boys - and become a Gladiator.
He got a taste for the gruelling TV show when he was a contestant in an international version against South Africa.
Whittle, 33, of Troon, Ayrshire, said: "It was brilliant fun and I'd love to be a Gladiator.
"The only thing against me is that I'm about four stone too light - these guys are all massive."
Whittle became a hero in 1986 when he ran barefoot to glory in the European Championships.
He helped Britain clinch gold in the 4 x 400m relay - despite losing a shoe seconds after starting his leg.
And Whittle was delighted to be able to pull on a British vest again in Gladiators.
You'll be able to see how he got on in front of 8000 screaming fans when the challenge is screened on ITV on January 10.

**

Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Punchline's a knockout for joker Joe

Daily Record, 29/12/1997, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scots funnyman Joe Camay was left with a sore face after being thumped on stage on Boxing Day.
Joker Joe was whacked by an angry punter during his hour-long set.
He crumpled in front of 200 guests at Winchburgh Bowling Club in Broxburn, West Lothian.
But after his attacker was thrown out of the club Joe bravely carried on with the show to a standing ovation.
He said: "When they asked me to do a Boxing Day set, I didn't think they meant I'd actually be boxing."
Joe had been half-way through his routine when a man in the audience jumped up on to the stage and started arguing with him.
He then cracked a right hook off Joe's face.
Regulars pounced on the man and threw him out the club before calling the police. Joe said: "I was more shocked than I was hurt.
"I went off stage afterwards for five or 10 minutes to calm down and get myself together.
"The show had to go on because so many people had turned up looking for a good night out.
"Afterwards they were all coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it."
Joe added: "There was no point spoiling everyone's night for the sake of one moron."
Police confirmed they were called to an incident at the club involving the comedian.
A spokesman said last night: "Inquiries are continuing and statements still being taken."

**

Fitness fanatic killed on jog

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Fitness fanatic killed on jog

Daily Record, 30/12/1997, p17
by SHAUN MILNE 

A superfit teacher collapsed and died while out jogging.
David Morris, 46, was just minutes away from his home when tragedy struck.
Two council workers spotted him lying on the ground at around 11am.
They alerted neighbours who ran for a doctor who lived just yards away.
They tried frantically to revive him, but David was dead when an ambulance arrived a short time later.
David was a geography teacher at Lenzie Academy near Glasgow.
His wife, Elaine, and daughters, Hazel and Gillian, were being comforted at a relative's house yesterday.
The family home in Bowling Street, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire lay empty.
Lenzie head teacher Roderick McLelland said: "We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened."

**

Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Jobless figures 'are Tory lie'

Evening Times, 17/10/1996, p23 
by SHAUN MILNE

Unemployment in one of the country's worst job blackspots is running at almost three times the official figure, claim Labour.
And they fear the bleak picture unearthed in Scotland will be mirrored throughout Britain exposing Government statistics as a sham.
The claim follows a three-month investigation in New Cumnock in Ayrshire which concludes tomorrow.
Official unemployment figures for the town supplied by the Department of Employment during August were given as 299 people. But according to the local
Labour Party branch, backed by both MP George Foulkes and Alex Smith MEP, the total is a massive 956.
A team of canvassers were dispatched to the streets and have spent the past 12 weeks knocking doors trying to gauge true unemployment levels.
Ian McCartney, Labour's chief employment spokesman, said the survey had revealed a "black hole" in official statistics.
He said: "The Tories trumpet bogus figures which purport to show falling unemployment.
"Ordinary people know the truth through bitter experience and it was to highlight the truth that a group of Labour Party members in New Cumnock carried out this door-to-door survey."

**

Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Abandoned limo clocks £3000 bill

Daily Record, 26/11/1996, p13 
by SHAUN MILNE

A 20-year old luxury limo dumped in an airport car park has run up a £3000 bill!
The Daimler-Jaguar, which would cost over £50,000 to buy new today, was abandoned at Glasgow Airport 18 months ago.
Now National Car Park bosses have decided to sell the S reg motor to recoup their £5-a-day parking fees which have been clocking up since the Jag rolled into the car park.
The car is expected to fetch more than £5000 at auction, leaving car- park bosses with a healthy profit.
A spokeswoman for NCP said last night: "Any revenue received from its sale will be used to cover disposal and administration costs.
"Any balance will be held for the customer to collect if they so wish."
She declined to speculate why the classic car had been abandoned.
Nor would she say who the registered owner was, or why they had waited so long to act.
Police say they have no involvement with the mystery motor. It has not been reported stolen.
When it was new, the car would have cost around £13,000. Even in its present rusting state, restoration experts Classic Workshop say it would be much sought- after.
It has remained parked near the main gate of the car park since early last summer.
Eventually, car-park bosses contacted the DVLA in Swansea, but failed to contact the registered owner.
If you dumped the Jag, registration YGJ 170S, or if you know the owner, call the Record on 0141 242 3251. 

**

20 inches - and more on the way

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: 20 inches - and more on the way

Daily Record, 04/12/1996, p2 
by SHAUN MILNE

Scotland was caught in the grip of winter last night as sleet and snow blanketed the country.
Up to 20 inches was expected to fall in some places.
Drivers were also being warned to expect nightmare conditions with black ice and fog predicted on many routes.
As gritters struggled to keep the roads clear, it emerged three teams had been stoned by sick yobs.
One driver needed stitches to his eye after he was pelted in Glencorse, Midlothian, and two gritters were hit in nearby Mayfield and Penicuik.
The weather also brought a spate of road accidents.
One elderly man was injured on the A9 Stirling to Perth route after leaving his car to get help when it was crippled by two punctures.
The man, who suffered a head cut, was taken to hospital in Stirling for a check-up.
Last night, several roads were closed with forecasters warning of worse to come.
The A77 Kilmarnock to Glasgow road was cut to one lane in either direction.
And drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper jams were warned the road was rapidly becoming impassable.
An AA spokeswoman said: "There are broken-down vehicles littered on the A77."
The B764 Eaglesham road was closed and there was heavy snow on roads around Ayrshire.
Traffic on the M8 was reduced to a crawl.
Motorist Jim Murray, 24, said: "Conditions are appalling - the wind is sweeping snow straight into the windscreen."
The A74 at Abingdon and A9 Auchterader to Dunblane roads were also badly hit.
The weather also cut power to around 5000 homes in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
And hundreds of thousands of TV sets throughout the Central Belt were blacked out after a power failure at a main transmitter.
None of the major airports reported any delays or cancellations while ScotRail said all their services were running.
Weather Watchers' Roland Chaplin predicted up to 20ins of snow for some places.
He said: "We'll definitely see snow lying thick in places and of course the northerly wind will make things worse."
"There is a lot of rain and sleet which will start to freeze by Thursday or Friday."
Warmer weather is expected to move in over Scotland at the weekend.

**

Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Hospital boss quits over axed baby ward 

Daily Record, 27/12/1996, p31

EXCLUSIVE
by Shaun Milne

The boss of a troubled NHS trust has quit just days after health chiefs voted to axe a top maternity unit.
David Millan, 64, has resigned as chairman of Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust.
His decision comes after the fight to keep maternity services at Bellshill, Lanarkshire, was lost.
Last night, Mr Millan confirmed he is to quit but refused to say why.
He said: "I've just decided it's time to go. What the chairman is asked to do is lead the board. I no longer feel I can do that."
But it's understood he is furious at what he sees as a politically-motivated decision to axe maternity units.
Health bosses agreed last week to build a children-and-baby unit at the planned new pounds 85million Law Hospital at Netherton, near Wishaw.
It is claimed the lives of mums-to-be and children could be put at risk by having to travel farther to hospital because of the switch.
One disgruntled hospital worker said: "We understand he's going because of the decision to centralise maternity services onto one site.
"He's angry at what many see as a political decision."
Mr Millan had been chairman of the trust for 18 months.
Last night, a trust spokesman said they were unaware of the resignation, which has gone to the Scottish Office.
Campaigners trying to save Bellshill included Old Firm players Paul McStay and Alex Clelland and other stars.
A 20,000-signature petition against closure was presented to Scots Secretary Michael Forsyth on a visit to the area.
Many had hoped services could be split between Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, and the new privately- financed Law Hospital if the closure had to go ahead.
Hospital unions' spokesman Hugh Sweeney said: "This decision was made in the Scottish Office and Lanarkshire Health Board is dancing to its tune."

**

Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Girl finds knife in kiddies'play set

Daily Record, 01/01/1997
by Shaun Milne

A schoolgirl almost sliced her fingers open on a razor sharp packing knife in a kiddies play set.
Nine-year-old Paula Reid happily unwrapped her Let's Play School game for her birthday.
But joy turned to horror when her mum Yvonne spotted the danger.
Yvonne, 33, said: "The blade was sticking right out.
"God knows what would've happened if I wasn't there.
"It's been put there deliberately as some kind of sick joke or something because the case was sealed.
"Paula was really upset and hasn't gone near it since. I'm just glad she wasn't hurt."
The toy cost £7.99 from the Index Catalogue shop at The Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.
Stunned bosses yesterday promised a probe and vowed to pull the games from the shelves if they found any others in a dangerous state.
Yvonne, of Hamilton, added: "I'm just worried in case it happens again and somebody else's daughter or son isn't quite so lucky."
Index store bosses ordered an immediate check on all Let's Play School sets.
Spokeswoman Julie Derbyshire vowed: "We are very upset about this incident and will be getting in touch with our customer to apologise and offer
compensation."
Meanwhile, trading standards officers in East Ayrshire have warned parents over Chinese- made Blackfoot Friction Racers.
Tests have revealed the toys have more than 10 times the permitted level of lead in the paint.

**

HELL'S BELLS

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: HELLS BELLS 
Daily Record, 1/01/1997, P1 
by Shaun Milne

Temperatures plunged as low as minus TEN as hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets.
And travellers trying to get home to their families were hit by snowbound roads and rail strike chaos.
More than 400,000 people were expected on Edinburgh's wind-chilled Princes Street for Britain's biggest Hogmanay party.
And police feared many of them would put themselves in danger by not wrapping up properly.
A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force said: "Anyone joining the street party should wear a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
"People who have been drinking may be lulled into a false belief they are OK, but they are taking a grave risk if they're not properly protected.
"Please do not leave a friend who has had a drink to sleep it off, or abandon any of your party to make their way home on foot."
Police and paramedics will use golf buggies to reach any trouble spots in the huge crowds.
It was a nightmare New Year for many drivers. Snowdrifts up to five feet deep were reported in parts of the Borders, and the A68 at Carter Bar was closed for several hours.
The A701 Dumfries-Edinburgh and A7 Carlisle-Edinburgh roads were also badly hit.
Part of the M74 was down to one lane near Abington in Lanarkshire, and surrounding roads were treacherous because of hard-packed snow.
Gritters worked round the clock, and police warned motorists to take extra care.
Strathclyde officers also slammed reports that they were running short of breath-test kits, and warned the festive drink-drive campaign would continue at full strength.
There was misery on the railways thanks to another strike in the five- month ScotRail dispute.
Conductors, ticket collectors and some drivers walked out. Trains stopped running after 6pm, more than three hours earlier than bosses had hoped.
Services in Glasgow and Edinburgh were worst- hit, with Hogmanay revellers facing delays. Many started journeys early to beat the chaos.
The flagship Glasgow-Edinburgh route ran at half strength for most of the day, with hourly trains instead of every half hour.
Passengers trying to get to Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Carlisle were also held up.
There were no trains from Glasgow to Stranraer, Maryhill and Shotts. Busy links to Barrhead and East Kilbride were hit, and people going to Oban and Fort William had to finish their journeys by bus.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union warned of more walkouts in January, and a ballot over an all-out strike in February.
They claim members are being victimised because of their behaviour in an earlier dispute over pay and conditions.
Bosses deny picking on the men, and slam union claims that their tactic of using managers to run trains poses a safety risk.
The cold can be lethal for the homeless, and The Big Issue magazine has set up a temporary hostel at its new offices in College Street, Glasgow.
Food, clothes, shelter and medical care will be available there for the next three days.
The English had their coldest Hogmanay since 1978. Temperatures fell as low as minus eight.
Forecasters say the bad weather will continue well into next week.

**

70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: 70 JOBS GO AS MENZIES CLOSE OLDEST STORE

Daily Record, 06/01/1998, p4
by Shaun Milne

High Street giants John Menzies are axing their flagship store with the loss of 70 jobs.
The 133-year-old Princes Street branch in Edinburgh was the first opened by the chain. The shock news was broken to stunned staff at a meeting in the canteen yesterday.
Manager Ian Cassidy told them the store would close for good on February 7.
One worker sobbed: "We can't believe it, this has come like a bolt from the blue.
"We shut up early because there was to be a meeting.
"Everyone was gobsmacked. The store has been here for as long as anyone can remember. I've got two kids to support. What am I going to do now?"
A letter given to workers said the store was "no longer economically viable" to the chain which has an annual turnover of £1.4billion.
The canteen closed up for good at 4.30pm yesterday before staff had been told.
The book department will close today followed by the toy and music departments on January 17.
Last night a John Menzies spokesman confirmed the store will close next month.
And he said around fifty of the staff would be offered transfer to the much smaller Cameron Toll store.
The spokesman added: "The site is just too big for John Menzies needs."

**

Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Tup-of-love battle over Sammy the ram

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p20
by SHAUN MILNE

Two farmers are fighting a tug-of-love battle over a stray sheep.
The ram was rescued by SSPCA officers on Saturday after it was found wandering.
Two farmers have now claimed the creature, christened Sammy by staff looking after him at a sanctuary.
Now it's up to the SSPCA to decide who really owns him. And the claimants will have to answer a quiz on intimate details of the sheep's appearance.
Animal welfare worker Caroline Dickson said: "We are asking both farmers for full descriptions of Sammy.
"If either can tell us what specific markings he has on his body, we'll have to assume he is theirs.
"It's hard to believe two farmers from that area have lost sheep, though.
"It means another sheep could still be wandering around."
Caroline quipped: "Maybe they were trying to elope together!"
Staff at the centre are trying to keep Sammy's details secret in case someone else tries to pull the wool over their eyes and lay claim to him.
Caroline added: "Sammy is definitely not used to humans.
"He keeps trying to run away from us and jump the fence in his pen.
"He's in good health. All we can do is feed and water him until we find his real owner."
It's thought that Sammy roamed round Dunfermline, Fife, for at least three days.
The SSPCA inspector finally tracked him down and caught him in Townhead Street.
He was taken to the SSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Balerno, Edinburgh.
They hope he'll be back with his rightful owner within a week.

**

Shocked victims spot freed pervert

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Shocked victims spot freed pervert

Daily Record, 09/01/1998, p25
by SHAUN MILNE

A pervert was seen by his young victims after being freed just months into his eight-year jail sentence.
Francis Feely was let out pending his appeal against both conviction and sentence.
Yet no-one told the family of his three girl victims. They only knew he was free after spotting him out buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Now the family are demanding that wealthy Feely, former boss of a carpet house in Glasgow, go back behind bars.
Feely was convicted on nine counts of indecency by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow in August. They'd heard he began abusing them when they were just three, five and nine.
He was only found out when one girl told her parents about a pornographic film found hidden in a children's video box.
Feely, a father of two boys of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, was told by the judge at his trial the court should show him "no mercy" because he had shown no remorse.
Last night, the girls' mother said: "The thought of bumping into him is really scary."
Now Glasgow Shettleston MP David Marshall vowed to raise the matter with the Lord Advocate.
He said: "This is an absolutely shocking case. This man should never have been freed."

**

Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Lifeboat kilties rescue canoeist

Daily Record, 12/01/1998, p11
by SHAUN MILNE

A stricken canoeist was amazed when he was plucked from chilly waters 
after seven hours by a lifeboat crew wearing KILTS and bow ties.
The Oban team had been heading for their annual dinner when they were 
called out to help Peter Murray.
So the six-man crew pulled on their survival suits over kilts and suits 
and took off to search around Balnagowan Island, in Loch Linnhe, 
Argyll.
They found Peter, 31, but he was hallucinating after the perilously 
cold water brought down his body temperature to a critical level.
So he was unsure at first whether the crew really were wearing kilts.
But one rescuer confirmed: "The lads had kilts on."
A Navy helicopter, the Oban lifeboat and Coastguard teams from Oban and 
Fort William were involved.
Peter, a Gaelic lecturer, of High Street, Fort William, was found just 
before 9pm on Saturday and flown to Lorne and Isles Hospital in Oban.
The lifeboat team turned up to cheers at their dinner at the Soroba 
House Hotel, Oban.
It was the Oban lifeboat unit's 1001st rescue.

**

Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Darren's penalty shocker wins Celtic fan £750,000

Daily Record, 15/01/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

Celtic fan Kevin Maguire cursed when striker Darren Jackson missed a 
penalty in the match against Motherwell.
But then the school jannie realised the blunder had scooped him a small 
fortune.
The 1-1 draw on Saturday meant he and five teachers netted £755,963.
But the stunned winners weren't aware of the scale of their win until 
TV funnyman Tom O'Connor gave them their dosh yesterday.
The former teacher kept them waiting by writing it out on an old 
blackboard - starting with the lowest number - at Scotland Street 
School Museum in Glasgow.
Kevin, 47, said: "I was listening to the Celtic game on the radio and 
when Darren missed the penalty I was gutted.
"But I suddenly realised his miss had helped us win the jackpot because 
it was a score-draw on the coupon, so now he's my favourite player.
"I just hope he doesn't miss any more penalties and can help Celtic win 
the league this year."
The syndicate from Woodfarm High, in Thornliebank, Glasgow, hit top 
marks with just a £4.20 stake.
They admitted luck and persistence, rather than doing their homework, 
saw them scoop £125,994 each.
Kevin, PE teachers Margaret Gardner, Alex McVake, Duncan Rose and 
Eileen MacAllister, and science teacher Wilma Murray used the same 
numbers every week for five years.
Kevin, of Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, said: "I suppose I'm the leader 
because I'm the one who has been chasing them for their stake money.
"You've got to with teachers, especially PE teachers, but it all seems 
worthwhile now."
His two sons, Stuart and Kevin Jnr, both 21, have their hearts set on 
opening a restaurant.
Now dad says he might give them a helping hand if they promise to keep 
him well fed.
He said: "That's been their plan for a long time now so I think I might 
just be able to help them out now.
"But I'll be keeping my job. I enjoy what I do but I've not decided 
what else to do with the money yet."
The best win the six have had is £22 a few years ago and a few tenners 
on the Lottery syndicate they run.
Alex, 42, said: "The five teachers really owe a lot to Kevin. He is the 
one who has pestered us every week for our stake.
"We used to try to dodge him but now we're all glad he caught up with 
us every week.
"I'm sure the pupils will be on their best behaviour now trying to 
sneak in with us.
"Just so long as Kevin doesn't ask us to start calling him Sir."
Alex was once a winger with Rangers and Ayr United and now helps coach 
juniors side Lesmahagow.
They play Pollok in the Scottish Junior Cup Fourth Round on Saturday 
and he added: "All we need is a win and my week's complete."
Duncan, 43, said: "All the credit has to go to Kevin. He's the one who 
does all the hard work chasing us.
"I'm just over the moon that he did."

**

CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: CORRIE ARRIVAL'S SHARP EXIT

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p3
by SHAUN MILNE

Corrie fans are set to be rocked by the Street's most controversial 
storyline yet.
Britain's oldest TV soap will be the first major show to feature a plot 
about a TRANSSEXUAL who leaves to have "the op".
Hayley Patterson breezes in as the shy clerk at Firman's Freezers who 
falls for dozy cafe owner Roy Cropper.
But Hayley must decide whether to come clean and confess that "she" is 
really a man waiting for an operation to be a full woman.
Actress Julie Hesmond, 27, right, will play the role.
But real life transsexuals are blazing at Granada TV for picking her 
instead of one of them.
However, the Gender Trust say they are pleased the issue is being 
brought out of the shadows.
Spokesperson Leona Simpson - born Leonard - said: "People are appalled 
by them using a woman.
"Why don't they use someone who is a transsexual so they can develop 
the role properly?"
Hayley arrives on the Street in two weeks but only Roy and Alma Baldwin 
find out the big secret.

**

CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: CELTIC STAR'S HEARTBREAK

Daily Record, 17/01/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

Grief-stricken Celtic star Craig Burley was comforting pregnant wife 
Sheryl last night after the death of her mum.
The Scotland player dashed from training to be at her side after 
getting an urgent phone call.
His mother-in-law, Una Allan, 50, had been taken to hospital for 
treatment but died on Thursday.
Una, of Dalhannah Drive, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, was told she had breast 
cancer a year ago.
But it did not stop her looking forward to the birth of Craig and 
Sheryl's second child this summer. The couple have a son, Luke, two.
Craig's grandmother, Sadie Burley, of Cumnock, Ayrshire, said: "Craig 
and Sheryl are devastated. They were close to her mum."
Craig, nephew of Ipswich boss George Burley, wed Sheryl two years ago 
when he was playing for Chelsea. He was transferred to Celtic for 
£2.2million last summer.
Una worked as a cleaner at New Cumnock Town Hall. She had two other 
children with husband Alex, 52 - son Kriss, 19, and daughter Yvonne, 
30.
It is not known if Craig will play against Dundee United at Tannadice 
today.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is a family matter."

**

JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: JAILBREAK CON CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS CELL

Daily Record, 20/01/1998, p10
by SHAUN MILNE

A con cut his way out of a jail cell then got cold feet and broke back 
IN.
He hacked through the bars of his window then used a rope of sheets to 
climb 30 feet down to the courtyard at Glenochil prison.
Then he wandered around for almost an hour before losing his nerve and 
clambering back up the rope to his cell.
Insiders at the high- security jail in Clackmannanshire claim bosses 
only found out about the bizarre breakout bid when the con himself told 
them.
An investigation was under way last night.
The prisoner is thought to be doing time for armed robbery.
A jail source said: "He used sheets tied together as a rope to climb 
down the wall of Delta Block.
"He was in the yard for about an hour and for some reason chickened out 
and climbed back in.
"He was roaming about no problem but he never made it to the perimeter.
"The first staff knew about it was when he told them what he'd done.
"The guy has been transferred to a secure unit and is being segregated."
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a man had been reported to police 
in connection with an escape attempt at Glenochil on Friday night.
A spokesman said: "An inspection showed the bars in the cell had been 
tampered with.
"It is a very serious matter and an investigation is being carried out 
to discover exactly how it happened."
He wouldn't say how the inmate cut the bars.
Police confirmed they had been informed about the incident.

**

Double glazing rats nicked my windows

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Double glazing rats nicked my windows

Daily Record, 24/01/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

A mum of two burst into tears when she arrived home to find a double 
glazing firm had ripped out all her new windows.
The company had only installed Caroline Kent's windows two days earlier.
But they tore them out again after a row over payment.
Now Caroline, 36, and husband Derek, 40, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, are 
seeking legal advice about taking action against the company 
responsible.
They were due to pay local firm Northern Pinnacle Windows £3000 this 
month for fitting six windows.
But they insist they won't give them a penny unless they put the 
windows back.
However, the firm have consulted their own legal team in an effort to 
recoup their costs. The windows were taken out on Wednesday after the 
couple complained to company bosses.
Derek is a joiner and could have done the work himself, but the couple 
decided to use the firm in a bid to save them time and trouble.
All went well until they complained about the standard of work.
Caroline said: "After they had finished, we realised one of the windows 
they'd put in was the wrong size.
"We told them we weren't happy with it but they said we would still 
have to pay.
"We said no way, we wanted it fixed.
"Derek told them not to touch anything else and said he wanted a 
meeting during the week to talk about it.
"This has shattered me. I have young children and I can't let them live 
in this."
But the company's solicitor, Ian Donaldson, said the Kents had ORDERED 
them to take out the windows.

**

Haggis on le black market

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Haggis on le black market

Daily Record, 26/01/1998, p9
by SHAUN MILNE

French butchers yesterday cashed in on Burns Night by selling black 
market haggis.
A Euro-wide ban on British beef exports because of mad cow disease has 
outlawed the traditional Scots fare on the continent.
That's because age-old recipes use beef suet rather than inferior 
substitutes.
Some butchers shops in the south of France had supplies specially 
smuggled across.
The underground price was around three times what it would be in 
Scotland.
No haggis was on display in shops but select Scots customers were told 
of the secret stashes.
One student, from Edinburgh, who now lives in Rennes, said: "A French 
pal took me to this shop and told the guy behind the counter that I was 
Scottish.
"He went through the back then came out and handed me this paper bag 
with real haggis inside.
"I was told not to let anyone else know because of the police. The 
whole thing is very illegal.
"I went back later and bought up their whole supply for £50 so I could 
hold a Burns Supper for my friends.
"I've 22 guests coming, Scots and Irish and I'm having to ask them to 
cough up something towards the price."

**

Church applause for gun stunt Rev

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Church applause for gun stunt Rev

Daily Record, 02/02/1998, p11
by Shaun Milne

A Minister who staged his mock execution with a gunman was given a 
standing ovation yesterday by his congregation.
The Rev Earlsley White was close to tears as 200 parishioners stood and 
applauded him as he began the morning service.
White, 69, was convicted last week of staging the bizarre mock 
execution during a service last year - just weeks before the 
anniversary of the Dunblane massacre.
But his congregation rallied around him at Park Parish Church in 
Uddingston, Lanarkshire, yesterday.
As worshippers arrived, many warmly embraced the minister, who retires 
in three weeks, and offered messages of support.
And when he began his service the congregation began clapping.
He stood head bowed as the noise thundered around the church. Then he 
said: "On behalf of my wife and I, thank you. It is impossible for us 
to put into words how we feel."
In the congregation was former SAS man Matthew Smith, who was found 
guilty of helping the minister stage the gun scare last February.
During the service White talked of how people should learn from 
mistakes and be shown forgiveness.
Many of the congregation were moved to tears themselves as the 
minister's voice strained with emotion.
He spoke of preaching in other parts of the world as well as his many 
years spent in Uddingston.
He added: "Nothing from that touches the intensity, the depth and the 
extent of love you have shown us."
White offered words of comfort to Matthew Smith and his wife Carol.
After the service he said: "My wife and I were really touched. It 
almost brought us to tears."
Both White and Smith will be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 
February 20.
White is expected to tender his resignation at a meeting of the church 
presbytery on Tuesday because he is retiring.

**

Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Bosnia match ban for Tartan Army soldiers

Daily Record, 09/02/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Scots squaddies in Bosnia will be banned from cheering on Scotland 
during their Euro 2000 qualifier at Sarajevo.
Army top brass say the soldiers will not be allowed to join football 
fans at the Kosevo Stadium on September 4 next year.
They will have to watch the game on television, despite being based 
only a short distance from the ground.
Strict rules insist squaddies must be armed and in Army-issue fatigues 
at all times when not in their camps and they're banned from going out 
alone or after dark.
An Army spokeswoman said yesterday: "They are there to do a job, not 
enjoy themselves. There are bound to be Scots serving there at the 
time.
"They will not be allowed to attend the game but they can celebrate in 
camp."
It will be a grim trip for the Scotland squad to a stadium surrounded 
by mass graves.
The SFA confirmed they would probably turn to the Army for safety 
advice nearer the time. Soccer bosses are expected to ask fans to stay 
away from the game for safety reasons.
The Foreign Office have already said supporters should not travel.
Any who defy the advice will be told to watch out for anti-personnel 
mines.
Government ministers have been warned not to freeload at the World Cup.
Only PM Tony Blair, Scots Secretary Donald Dewar and Sports Minister 
Tony Banks will get to France officially.
Labour don't want to see VIPs getting freebies while real fans can't 
get tickets.

**

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: SCOTLAND LIFTS THE WORLD CUP (well, at least for the day)

Daily Record, 10/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Scotland lifted the World Cup yesterday as football's Holy Grail came 
to Glasgow.
The atmosphere was electric as fans - and even seasoned pro footballers 
- got caught up in the magic.
More than 200 watched Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone lay his hands on the 
trophy.
Clasping it in both hands, his eyes said it all.
In Jinky's mind, he had just scored Scotland's winner in the World Cup 
final.
He said: "It's beautiful. I only wish I'd been able to hold it as a 
player.
"Maybe some time in the future, we might get to keep it."
Strict security surrounded the glittering prize, which is on a 
promotional tour of Britain.
Arriving in Scotland at the weekend, the cup was kept locked away until 
yesterday when police took it to Glasgow's Bellahouston Academy.
People from all walks of life realised their dream of holding the 
trophy aloft.
Former Scotland heroes Murdo MacLeod and Joe Jordan watched in awe.
Murdo said: "What a great occasion for all the fans here. You see 
people holding the cup and all of a sudden they become kids again.
"It gives people who will never compete on that kind of stage the 
chance to touch it."
Pupil William Cowie, 16, of Kinning Park, said: "It was great - maybe 
I'll get to hold it again if Scotland ever win it."
Pal Tracey Anderson, 17, of Castlemilk, added: "This has been the most 
exciting thing for me ever. All my friends are jealous."
Later, at Ruchill Sports Centre, two under-14 teams battled it out for 
the chance to lift the trophy.
St David's High School from Dalkeith, Midlothian, emerged 10-3 victors 
over Bannockburn High School.
After a trip to Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, the cup was taken to the 
Asda superstore in Govan, where 200 fans queued in the rain for four 
hours.
Pensioner Susan Stewart, 69, said: "It was a real thrill to hold it. My 
three grandsons won't believe it when I tell them."
Still under tight security, the cup was taken to England last night.
It will also go to Nigeria, Korea and Holland before ending up in 
France for the tournament.
The World Cup is regarded as priceless and a huge security screen goes 
into operation wherever it goes.
The man in charge is 44-year-old New Yorker Mike McGlynn, who has been 
on tour with the World Cup and Coca Cola since January.
He has just returned from Saudi Arabia, where in 48 hours more than 
13,000 queued up for their chance of clutching the trophy.
From there he went to Zurich to get his new orders at FIFA HQ before 
making the trek to Scotland to spark yesterday's football frenzy.
Mike said: "It's all about the magic and the mystique of the cup being 
brought to the normal football fans across the world.
"It's only right that people who normally only see it on TV are given 
the chance - a once in a lifetime chance - to touch it.
"The world cup is the life and soul of football and people hold it in 
awe.
"As soon as they come near it they immediately become respectful 
towards the trophy. It's got that much of a hold, so much power, nobody 
dares try to abuse it."

**

Shears used to stab blaze body

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Shears used to stab blaze body

Daily Record, 11/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A pair of garden shears was used to kill a man who was found in a 
blazing flat.
Police had thought David McMaster simply died in the fire.
But tests later showed he had suffered vicious stab wounds, including 
one near the heart.
Yesterday, police were hunting a group of young people known to have 
been drinking with him shortly before he died.
The body of 49-year-old unemployed David was discovered shortly after 
3.45pm on Monday.
The grisly find was made by firefighters at his home in Maree Street, 
Paisley.
They had fought for almost an hour to put out the blaze.
Police sealed off the area as detectives began door to door inquiries.
An incident caravan was also moved into position outside the death 
house.
Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed 
for information.
Chief Inspector Alex McAllister, leading the probe, said: "At the 
moment we're trying to piece together his last moments and those of 
anyone who might have been with him.
"In particular I am anxious to speak to a group of young men and women 
who are believed to have been within Mr McMaster's house during Monday 
afternoon."
He confirmed divorcee David was assaulted before his death but refused 
to give any details.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said Paisley CID were anxious to 
speak to anyone who has any information.
An incident room has been set up at the station with a special murder 
investigation hotline number 0141 532 5900.

**

SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: SCOTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Daily Record, 12/02/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Scotland went on flood alert last night as torrential rains swept the 
country.
Roads were shut and diversions put in place as up to four inches fell 
in some places.
Sixty children were evacuated from Riverside Nursery in Kirkintilloch, 
East Dunbartonshire, when the deluge threatened to flood classes.
Ships also found themselves in trouble as high winds added to the 
weather problems.
Emergency crews were stretched to the limit as Met office forecasters 
predicted even more rain.
One fireman was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow with a 
serious knee injury after he fell down a hole while trying to pump 
water out of the Strathclyde Police Dog Training Centre at Pollok.
It was flooded after the River Cart running alongside burst its banks.
The AA warned motorists across the country to slow down as conditions 
wreaked havoc on the roads.
Strathclyde Police also told motorists to take care.

**

NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: NATIONAL HILTON SERVICE

Daily Record, 16/02/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Patients who were put up in a four-star hotel in a bid to cut hospital 
waiting lists have given the scheme a massive thumbs-up.
They spent two nights at the posh Hilton and enjoyed slap-up meals and 
room service.
And yesterday, they said they were delighted with the move.
The 20 patients - who had all waited more than a year for cataract ops 
- were sent to the hotel after Lothian Health Board asked charity 
IMPACT for help.
The charity paid for the 20 to stay at the Hilton, in Livingston, West 
Lothian.
After their first night, they were taken to nearby St John's Hospital 
for their ops .
After that it was back to the plush £155-a-night hotel to recover 
before going home the next day.
Yesterday, the lucky patients - all in their 70s and 80s - voted the 
scheme a huge success.
Delighted Jessie Hardie, of Danderhall, Edinburgh, said: "I've been 
treated like I'm the Queen Mother.
"The only thing that's missing is the tiara on my head.
"It's really been out of this world and we've been really lucky getting 
the chance. We get all our meals, anything we want, foreign TV and room 
service and everything.
"I only wish they could afford to do this for everybody."
The total cost, paid for by health charity IMPACT and Lothian Health, 
was a staggering £6000.
IMPACT paid more than £3000 for accommodation and transport while the 
health board picked up the tab for medical costs.
Jean Bunten, 79, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, welcomed the charity's 
help.
She said: "If it wasn't for IMPACT then 20 of us here would still be on 
the waiting list.
"It's been marvellous and I can't thank them all enough.
"It's something that should be done more often to get these waiting 
lists down, I hope it's the thing of the future."
The first 10 patients checked in on Saturday at the hotel and were 
shown to their rooms on the ground floor.
There they met other patients and medical staff before being given 
check ups.
They were treated to slap- up meals in part of the hotel dining area 
specially set aside for them.
It was repeated by the second group of 10 who arrived yesterday.
Kathleen Campbell, 84, of North Berwick, said: "It's wonderful because 
I've been waiting for so long."
Her daughter Mary Turnbell, 60, was allowed to share a room with her to 
make sure she was okay.
She said: "When they first contacted us I have to admit I thought it 
was a joke and just laughed at them.
"It wasn't until the confirmation letter arrived that we believed them. 
We were waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear."
Jim Fielding, 70, from Leith, Edinburgh, said: "It's a brilliant thing 
because while you're here you forget about the operation. You just sit 
and chat to people, it's a bit like being on holiday in some respects. 
It puts you more at ease.
"I've been in hospital before and it's always a bit more tense in there 
than it is here.
"The good thing is when you come back you can go for a wander or down 
to the shops instead of being stuck in a ward. It's great."
Jean Gardner, ophthalmic nurse practitioner at St John's, said they had 
only a seven-month waiting list for cataract ops, the best in Scotland.
But they jumped at the chance of helping other hospitals under Lothian 
Health to cut their year-long-plus queues. Jean said: "This is a way of 
giving patients back their independence in surroundings they can relax 
in.
"We approached IMPACT asking if they could help us and here we are with 
20 very happy patients.
"It's something we'd love to be able to do again."
xBut Patients' Association spokesman Tom Kirkwood said: "We shouldn't 
have to depend on charities financing the bed requirements of the NHS.
"We have to draw the line on this or we could end up with patients 
turning up for major surgery and being booked into the nearest hotel."

**

PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: PHYSIO, 31, DROPS DEAD AT HIS PARTY

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p13
by SHAUN MILNE

A soccer physio died at his own 31st birthday party.
Davie Denholm suffered a massive brain haemorrhage hours after guiding 
his team to a cup final.
Pals thought Davie, physio for top part-timers Gala Fairydean, was 
playing a prank as he lay motionless on the floor of a friend's house.
But when they tried to revive him, it was too late.
The night started as a double celebration at the house in Woodstock 
Avenue, Galashiels, in the Borders, to celebrate Davie's birthday and 
the football club victory.
A friend said it came as a complete shock when Davie collapsed.
He added: "One minute he was dancing around having a laugh, the next he 
was lying on the floor.
"Everyone thought he was kidding on because that's the sort of thing he 
used to do.
"Then we realised something was wrong and tried to revive him - but by 
then it was too late."
Apart from being physio at Fairydean, Davie had just started as a part- 
time barman at their social club.
He also worked at the Lochcaron Mill in Gala, but spent much of his 
time doing charity work.
He gave up a job as a dog handler with the Ministry of Defence at 
Faslane, Dunbartonshire, six years ago.
His sister Ann, 35, was being comforted by close friends last night.
Keith Hyslop, 47, who lived above Davie's house in Tweed Road, Gala, 
said: "The tragedy is that they were the best of friends as well as 
being brother and sister. She is gutted."
Davie carried out tireless work for local charities.
Keith said: "My five-year-old boy Keir is Down's Syndrome and Davie 
couldn't do enough for him.
"I don't know how I'm going to tell him how it happened. It hasn't sunk 
in with me yet.
"I keep expecting to see him walk through the door at any time. He was 
one of my very best friends."
Keith added: "Some say that the good die young, well the best has gone 
with Davie."
A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday, with Davie's funeral 
expected to take place on Friday at the town's Eastlands Cemetery.

**

Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Bride's agony as hubby dies in smash

Daily Record, 17/02/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A newly-wed husband has been killed in a head-on car crash.
His wife of four weeks was with him when the accident happened.
Douglas Rose, 36, had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car.
He was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, where 
he died.
His wife Janet, 38, was unconscious when she was rescued by 
firefighters.
She was treated for shock in St John's and was last night recovering at 
her husband's parents' house in Edinburgh.
Janet, from Broompark View in East Calder, West Lothian, said: "Douglas 
been in Edinburgh for a night out with friends and called to see if I 
could pick him up.
"I don't really remember how the accident happened.
"All I remember is waking up in the wreckage."
The couple had married in a romantic ceremony in Jamaica just weeks 
before.
The accident happened on the A71 road near Kirknewton, West Lothian, on 
Saturday.
The driver of the other car, Ahmed Lahmasi, 45, from Duddingston 
Gardens, Edinburgh, was treated for a broken hip.
Janet has two children from a previous marriage Christopher, 17, and 
Rebecca, 13. Douglas also had a daughter from another marriage, 
Kimberley, six.
Lothian and Borders police say they are investigating the crash and 
they appealed for witnesses.

**

EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: EVIL PAIR PREY ON OAP, 100

Daily Record, 20/02/1998, p25
by Shaun Milne

Sickened detectives are hunting a callous couple who robbed a 
100-year-old woman in her own home.
The man, claiming to be a gardener wanting to give her a quote, barged 
into her home when she opened the door.
As he left a few minutes later, the old lady spotted his woman 
companion lurking by the door, and when they'd gone she discovered that 
her purse with what little cash she had was missing.
Yesterday she was too upset to speak about her ordeal, but police and 
welfare groups condemned the sick robbers. A police spokesman said: 
"This was a particularly unpleasant incident on a vunerable member of 
society."
The man was aged between 20 and 25, about 5ft 5ins tall, wearing a 
white T-shirt and dark trousers.
The woman had collar-length black hair and was wearing a long black 
cloak.
Police are asking anyone who saw the couple in the Pilton district of 
Edinburgh at around 3pm on Wednesday to contact them.
Roberta Blaikie, leader of the Pilton Elderly Project, warned others to 
be on their guard.
She said: "Elderly people should always use their peepholes and door 
chains, and always ask for ID.
"If they are still unhappy, they just shouldn't let people in. They 
should call a friend or a neighbour.
"If these people are prepared to violate someone's privacy like this, 
what else are they capable of?
"All this woman's memories will be in that house. Now she'll be 
terrified to open her door."
The project say they will be printing a newsletter warning of bogus 
workmen.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Drylaw 
police station on 0131 343 3171.

**

It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: It's baby No11 for pair on benefits fortune

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A couple dubbed Scotland's biggest spongers have just had their 
ELEVENTH baby.
Donna and Brian Deighan get more than £24,000 a year in state handouts 
for their kids.
Their latest addition to the family, Rebecca, was born at Simpson's 
Memorial Maternity Pavilion, in Edinburgh.
She initially suffered some complications with jaundice and feeding 
problems but mum and baby were back at the family's specially- 
converted flat yesterday.
Rebecca has been introduced to her brothers and sisters Brian jnr, 15, 
Kelly, 14, Michelle and James, 12, Lyndsey, eight, Danny, seven, John, 
six, Nicole, five, Hayley, two, and 14- month-old Tony.
The Deighans live rent free in Burdiehouse, Edinburgh, and pick up 
almost £500 a week in child allowance and dole benefits.
The payouts are almost doubled with housing and council tax benefits.
Neither parent has worked for more than 16 years. They refuse to find 
jobs unless they pay them at least as much as the couple get without 
one.
Brian, 37, claims he's been condemned to a "life on the dole" because 
he would need to earn more than £34,000 to raise his family.
The Deighans have already demanded Edinburgh City Council find them a 
bigger home.
A council spokesman admitted yesterday they might have to.
Last month, Donna, 32, said she and Brian would like to have a 12th 
child.

**

LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: LOST KEY SPARKS JAIL ALERT

Daily Record, 21/02/1998, p12
by Shaun Milne

A dozy prison officer sparked a major security alert when he forgot to 
hand in a master key after his shift.
Saughton Prison in Edinburgh faced a complete lockdown as frantic 
officials searched for the key.
It was eventually tracked down to a sports locker room.
The officer had left it in his trousers pocket while he went off to 
play rugby.
He was in a prison team playing a police side at Lothian and Borders 
Police HQ at Fettes in the capital.
The first he knew of the alert was when officials raced to Fettes 
sports fields and had him substituted.
He was frogmarched to the changing rooms and ordered to open his locker.
After the key was found raging prison bosses quizzed him about his 
movements between the top- security jail and the fields.
They had to be sure there was no risk the key had been copied.
That would have meant every lock in the jail being changed -at a cost 
of tens of thousands of pounds.
A prison source said: "The place went bonkers trying to find out where 
it had gone.
"That key can get you into anywhere at Saughton. If it fell into the 
wrong hands, God knows what could have happened."
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a key left 
the establishment.
"Management at Edinburgh Prison are investigating the matter."
It's not the first time the jail has been hit by similar security 
alerts.
Last year murderer John George was found with jail keys.
Two years before, an officer caused mayhem when he lost his prison keys.

**

HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: HONOR ENDS UP ON 'ER BACKSIDE

Daily Record, 23/02/1998, p3
by Shaun Milne

Supermodel toff Honor Fraser should know all about sliding down the 
banister of grand staircases ...
But the Scots stunner seemed to have forgotten the technique at the 
start of London Fashion Week and ended up in a very unladylike crumple.
High-spirited Honor was left blushing on the floor of the plush Cafe de 
Paris last night.
It ruined the launch of wacky designer Vivienne Westwood's latest 
collection.
And it brought back memories of Naomi Campbell's tumble in a pair of 
10- inch Westwood platform shoes on a Paris catwalk five years ago.
There were gasps as 23-year-old Honor took a fall.
The unchoreographed spectacle came as Westwood described her luxurious 
Red Label collection as being for the woman who "wants to be noticed" 
and "enjoy life".
She added that the Red Label wearer "is not a girl, she is a young lady.
"She knows the power of her coquetry. She dresses to pull her man."
But they were ominous words on the night that Girl Power landed on its 
backside.
Honor has been on a rapid rise in the fashion world, attracting huge 
cash contracts from the most exclusive design houses.
The blue-blood is granddaughter of war hero Lord Lovat who led the 
commandos during the Normandy landings.
She grew up in Beaufort Castle, Inverness-shire, and now struts her 
stuff for the likes of Nina Ricci, Guy Laroche and Givenchy on the 
catwalks of the world.
Her blunder yesterday was witnessed by Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, 
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer and Saffron from Britpop band Republica in 
the celebrity audience.
It's the second boob Fraser has made at the show in a few days.
On Friday, she had her breasts painted in Union Jack colours red, white 
and blue, to get the fashion showcase off to a flying start.

**

Warning signs of killer condition

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Warning signs of killer condition

Daily Record, 25/02/1998, p2
by Shaun Milne

Strokes claim more than 3000 Scots lives every year.
They account for one in eight of all our deaths - only heart disease 
and cancer are bigger killers.
Someone in Scotland is laid low by a stroke every 40 minutes
Tough-guy movie legend Kirk Douglas, 80, survived a stroke in Los 
Angeles two years ago.
He lost the power of speech but battled back to health.
And Oscar winner Ron Moody, 69, suffered a mild stroke in 1993 in 
Birmingham.
It was days before a reunion of the cast of the hit musical Oliver!
Strokes are the main cause of disabilities.
Smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks of being struck down.
When a stroke hits, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or 
destroyed.
The cause is often a blood clot blocking circulation to the brain.
Victims of severe strokes usually get a blinding headache then quickly 
pass out. More minor attacks cause weakness or numbness in an arm or 
leg.
Most sufferers are over retirement age.
But Janet Buncle, of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association Scotland, 
insisted: "It's not just an old person's disease. Anyone can be 
affected.
"If you smoke, drink too much, are overweight or over-use the salt 
cellar, your risk is greatly increased."
It can take two months before victims show any real signs of recovery.
If you've had one stroke, you're at risk of suffering a second one.
The chances of a further stroke in the first year are between one in 
six and one in 10.
The Queen is patron of the Stroke Association, which supports 
sufferers, families and carers.

**

Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Pupil flogs his dad's bootleg booze to teachers

Daily Record,02/03/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

A teenager at a top military school has been suspended for passing 
cheap booze to STAFF.
Bosses at the school, funded by Ministry of Defence cash, have launched 
a full- scale probe.
The 14-year-old was supplying a selection of gin, vodka and whisky at 
around £5 a bottle.
Head teacher Brian Raine confirmed an inquiry was under way after the 
dodgy deals were reported by other staff at Queen Victoria School, 
Dunblane.
An insider said: "The police should have been called in. But because 
teaching staff were involved, they decided not to.
"The bosses only found out after another member of staff reported what 
was going on. It's a complete disgrace.
"How are pupils supposed to learn any common decency when the staff are 
involved in scams?"
Mr Raine said the boy's father had been selling the cut-price drink but 
using his son to deliver it.
The head teacher said: "Disciplinary action was taken and management 
are still investigating the matter. We have spoken to the father."
It is understood at least three members of staff, including one 
teacher, may have been involved.
Prince Philip is patron of the 90-year-old school, founded in memory of 
victims from the Boer War.
Only children of those who have served in the Army, Royal Air Force or 
Navy are eligible to attend.
The fees of the 260 pupils are paid by the MoD.
The boy's dad is no longer serving with the forces but did several 
years ago.
The school has had several embarrassing incidents involving pupils in 
the past.
In 1995, a 14-year-old boy was expelled for stabbing a 13-year-old in 
the leg.
A year earlier, three youths were involved in a police probe after 
claims a girl had been sexually assaulted.
In 1991, a teacher wrote to the parents of 57 boys telling them of 
alleged bullying. 
A Government review called for sweeping changes.

**

BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: BECKY BACK ON S*** TV

Daily Record, 07/03/1998, p17
by SHAUN MILNE

Red-faced newsgirl Becky Hunter was back on the air last night after 
swearing live on telly.
The Scottish TV presenter let slip with the curse after stumbling over 
her script.
She blundered at the end of Scotland Today's midnight broadcast early 
yesterday, trying to wish viewers goodnight.
And clearly thinking the cameras had stopped rolling, she threw her 
head back in despair and said: "Oh sh**!"
Becky, who only recently began appearing on air, threw her hands up 
over her head in horror when she realised what she had done.
Tight-lipped STV bosses said only: "We're looking into what happened."
The incident is sure to land her in hot water - but viewers had some 
sympathy.
Paul Christie, 24, of Glasgow, said: "It was hilarious but if any kids 
had been watching it wouldn't have been so funny."
Youth worker Pat McCluskey, 50, of Hamilton, said: "No one would have 
taken any real offence."
Radio Clyde missed out their midnight news broadcast altogether 
yesterday after a technical hitch.
An insider said: "We played the music into the news but nothing 
happened. Our newsreader was there but no-one could hear him."

**

BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: BEEF BATTLER JIM WINS ROUND ONE

Daily Record, 11/03/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

Battling hotel boss Jim Sutherland yesterday won round one of his fight 
for the right to serve banned beef on the bone.
A sheriff gave him the all-clear to challenge whether the ban is legal.
Jim, 44, is the first person in Britain to be charged with serving beef 
with the bones still in.
He allegedly fed prime rib to 170 people at a dinner in his Carfraemill 
Lodge Hotel in Lauder, days after beef on the bone was outlawed by 
Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham.
Jim could face six months jail and a fine of up to £5000 if convicted.
But he is determined to take on the might of the Government and get the 
ban overturned.
Farmers, butchers and other backers have set up the "Carfraemill War 
Chest", hoping to raise thousands of pounds to pay his legal fees.
More than 100 farmers turned up to support Jim at Selkirk Sheriff Court 
in the Borders yesterday.
At the brief hearing, his lawyer David Kidd told Sheriff James Paterson 
the ban was "irrational" and "manifestly absurd".
He said no minister "acting reasonably" could have decided there was 
enough BSE risk from beef on the bone to justify taking it off the 
shelves.
Sheriff Paterson adjourned the case until April 6, when five days have 
been set aside for legal arguments on the ban.
Jim, who also owns a 1450-acre cattle and sheep farm, told the Record 
later: "Somebody had to do this and I'm confident we'll succeed.
"I'm no farming leader or hero or anything like that. But I'm aghast at 
the Government's ban and this gives me a chance to express that view."
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the ban last December after 
scientists said the human version of mad cow disease -CJD - could be 
passed on through bone marrow.
Farmers and butchers claim crossing the road is more dangerous than 
eating beef on the bone.
The demonstrators in Selkirk aimed much of their fury at Cunningham.
One placard said: "Bone out Jack! We want bone in!"
Farmer Stephen Withers, 48, of Jedburgh, said: "This is a matter of 
freedom. It's a poor state of affairs when the Government is telling 
you what you can and can't eat."

**

Who nicked my blooming roses?

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Who nicked my blooming roses?

Daily Record, 12/03/1998, p19
by Shaun Milne

Flower shop raiders have escaped with 1000 Mother's Day roses.
They smashed their way in to get at the blooms, worth £3500.
The theft left owner Jim Banks with a thorny problem at one of the 
busiest times of the year.
But he nipped the crisis in the bud by organising a new delivery 
overnight - with more than a week to spare before Mother's Day.
Jim, 50, whose Edinburgh shop had already been broken into three times 
in a year, said: "I've had enough. A steel shutter's being fitted 
today.
"It was supposed to have gone up last week, but there was a problem.
"This kind of thing gets to you after a while, but we'll bounce back."
The theft comes only six months after the premises were gutted by fire.
A relaunch of the shop at South St Andrew Street is scheduled for next 
week after a £90,000 refit.
Jim's girlfriend Rosa-linda Dagostino, 48, said: "It's just more 
pressure on top of the fire, the refit and the other break-ins.
"If the shutters had been up in time this would never have happened.
"Luckily Jim has been able to get more stock."
Police alerted Jim's son Jamie, 27, at about 4.30am on Monday. Two men 
were seen running from the shop around the same time.
One was about 5ft 9ins tall, 20-25 years, had short shaved hair and was 
wearing jeans and a white bomber jacket.
The other was wearing a dark bomber jacket and jeans.
A police spokeswoman said: "The two men would have made quite an 
unusual sight carrying the roses.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them making their 
escape, or any market traders who have been offered these flowers."

**

GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: GUN SLUR IS RULED OFF-SIDE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A football club have been red-carded for claiming an opposing player 
SHOT their goalie.
Newtongrange Star also said a player from local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose 
had chewed off the keeper's ear, gouged his eyes out and cut off his 
head with a machete.
East Region Junior FA beaks slammed the tongue-in-cheek remarks in a 
match programme as a "disgrace".
They fined the club £200 and demanded they write to Bonnyrigg to 
apologise.
Newtongrange beat Bonnyrigg 2-1 in a John Walker East League game last 
month.
But an article in Newtongrange's official match programme the next week 
claimed Bonnyrigg had acted like rugby players.
And it said goalie Alan Stewart was shot in the stomach by a 
Newtongrange player using a revolver.
East Region secretary Allen Bryce said: "This was way over the top and 
an absolute disgrace.
"The programme remarks infringed our rules. This just isn't funny. 
We've already warned all clubs about their programme content.
"Newtongrange and Bonnyrigg are close together and these remarks could 
cause a lot of friction.
"Junior football is given a bad enough reputation as it is without 
these remarks. They were terrible."
Allen said Newtongrange had been fined and told to say sorry to their 
rivals.
But he admitted they could appeal to the Scottish Junior Football 
Association against the decision.
Newtongrange secretary Kenny Russell thought the fine was harsh but 
said his club would accept the ruling.
He added: "I think we've been hard done by.
"All we did was compare Bonnyrigg players with rugby ones. No malice 
was intended but we'll take it on the chin."
Bonnyrigg keeper Alex Stewart and secretary Billy Scotland were 
unavailable for comment yesterday.

**

THE £130,000 GARAGE

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: THE £130,000 GARAGE

Daily Record, 13/03/1998, p21
by Shaun Milne

A converted garage near the site of Scotland's new Parliament is being 
sold for a whopping £130,000.
A few months ago, it was a dingy lock-up used for storing cars.
But a businessman snapped it up, got the builders in and turned it into 
a two-bedroom flat.
Then Donald Dewar announced that the Parliament would be just five 
minutes' walk away - and James Jones knew he was in the money.
He said: "It was a complete fluke. When I bought it, no one knew where 
the Parliament was going. Donald Dewar didn't phone me up to tell me.
"But I thought it was good news when I heard it was to be Holyrood."
James, 54, is confident of getting at least £130,000 for the flat - and 
the experts agree.
Estate agents Doyle and Co say they have already had a number of people 
asking about it.
Edinburgh is already in the middle of a property boom, with houses and 
flats going for tens of thousands above the asking price.
James, who runs a car dealership in the city centre, won't say how much 
he paid for the lock- up last autumn.
He decided to buy it after seeing the "for sale" sign on his way to 
work.
He said: "I don't know why. I just saw it, decided to buy it and got 
the builders in.
"It was just a business idea, simple as that. I've been told if I hold 
on for a couple of years then I'll be able to get a lot more money for 
it.
"But I bought it to be converted and sold and that's what I intend to 
do - sell it and move on to the next thing."
The ground-floor pad in Cranston Street, complete with built-in car 
space, looks across to Calton Hill - the failed runner in the race to 
find a home for the Parliament.
It has a lounge-dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, 
bathroom and separate shower cubicle.
Features include a state-of-the-art alarm system and electronically 
operated garage door.
Estate agent David Alexander said the Scottish Parliament was pushing 
up prices all over Edinburgh - and the Old Town in particular.
He said: "Investors want to buy property here that they can go on to 
let at a premium.
"Others just see Edinburgh as THE place to be right now.
"In fact, there are more people wanting to buy than there are houses 
available and that's also pushing the prices up.
"A house going for £118,000 in Marchmont sold last week for £180,000. 
But there were 16 people bidding for that, which means there's still 15 
out there.
"Already we're seeing prices jumping 20 and 30 per cent above the 
asking price.
"We could even see select prices double in the long-term future."
George Clark, of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre, agreed 
prices would go through the roof.
He said: "Quality property near the Parliament will increase in value 
at a far greater rate than those a few miles away.
"There is already a short supply of quality property in the city 
centre."
But Mr Clark had a warning for the Scots Secretary over plans to base 
the Parliament in the old Strathclyde council HQ until the new building 
is ready.
He said: "Something Donald Dewar needs to look at is whether MSPs and 
civil servants will want to buy in Glasgow for the first two years.
"If they do that, then they will face a costly move to Edinburgh and 
someone will need to pick up the tab for it."
The Scottish Office admitted MSPs, civil servants and others would have 
to consider buying in Edinburgh.
A spokesman said: "It would be a purely personal matter. But I'm sure 
there will be some who will want to move closer to Holyrood."

**

I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: I SAW PALS KILLED IN BLAZE

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p1
by Shaun Milne

A boy of 13 told last night how he watched two pals die in a blaze at a 
derelict warehouse.
Ally Douglas saw best mate Craig Quinn, 12, trapped inside, and heard 
Craig and Blair Easton, 11, crying for help.
"I'm hoping this is only a nightmare," Ally said through tears. "I'm 
hoping I'll wake up and everything will be normal."
Craig and Blair died on Thursday night after going to the warehouse in 
Penicuik, Midlothian, with Ally, Brian Wilkie, 11, Jamie Boyd, 12, and 
David Kidd.
Brian was being treated for serious burns last night.
Firemen believe one of the boys started the fire by setting light to a 
piece of paper and dropping it.
Brave locals smashed through a wall with sledgehammers in a vain bid to 
save Craig and Blair.
The warehouse, full of waste paper, was an inferno within moments. 
Temperatures inside reached 800C. The six lads were larking about on 
the Eskmill Industrial Estate in Penicuik when Craig, Blair, Brian and 
Jamie got into the warehouse.
They entered through a door, then made their way into another part of 
the building through a window and skylight.
Ally said: "We were mucking about but we weren't doing anything bad.
"One of my pals dropped a lit piece of paper and the whole place went 
up. It happened so fast.
"The smoke was choking and the flames were going through the roof.
"I saw the fire spreading and shouted to the others.
"Jamie managed to get out of the skylight and helped Brian.
"They jumped off the roof, then it collapsed. They'd have been trapped 
too if they had waited any longer.
"Craig and Blair couldn't find a way out. They were shouting, screaming.
"I saw Craig's face at a window. It was barred and he couldn't get 
through.
"He shouted: `Ally, quick, get some help. Get the fire brigade'.
"I ran and ran as fast as I could up the hill to the nearest houses.
"I could still hear Craig and Blair screaming. I didn't know what to 
do. I was scared and panicking.
"I got to the first house and asked for help. I think they phoned the 
fire brigade.
"Then I went to the next house across the road and told them.
"Someone there ran down to help.
"The police came and I told them two of my pals was trapped. They 
legged it down the hill to try to get into the warehouse.
"It must have been five or 10 minutes before the fire brigade got 
there."
Ally was taken home and allowed to rest, then quizzed by detectives.
He said: "The police spoke to me for ages.
"I didn't find out Craig and Blair were dead until the morning.
"My mum told me. I was really upset. Craig was my best friend and I saw 
him die.
"I'd just tell everyone else not to go near buildings like that.
"Four of my friends went into that factory. Only two came out again. 
It's that serious."
Jamie Boyd told how he tried to reach Craig and Blair while Ally went 
for help. He said: "I tried to get Craig out but I couldn't reach him.
"He and Blair were up against the window. They were badly burned and 
screaming.
"Craig shouted: `Boydie, come back and help', but I couldn't get back. 
The flames were too high."
A fire brigadespokesman said: "We are still not 100 per cent certain 
what caused this accident.
"But the most likely cause at the moment is that the boys started a 
fire with paper in the premises."
Local people fear there may have been abandoned chemicals in the 
warehouse but firefighters have so far found nothing to support that 
idea.
The building was sold to Morrison Quarry Products in 1992. They sold it 
on to Tilcon (Scotland). It was handed over to Midlothian Council last 
month.

**

Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Sick forger forces blind bride Selina to cancel wedding

Daily Record, 14/03/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

A blind couple were forced to cancel their wedding because the bride's 
divorce certificate was FORGED.
Selina Linn, 36, thought she had been divorced two years ago.
But when she went to lawyers for a copy of her divorce cer- tificate 
they said: "Sorry, you're still married."
Checks by the firm showed Selina's divorce had never been put through 
the courts at all.
Former employee Kenneth Anderson is now being investigated over 
allegations of fraud.
Now bosses are checking hundreds of other divorces and the Law Society 
have launched a probe.
Selina, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian, was forced to scrap plans to wed 
fiance Robert at the end of the month.
Her lawyers, Caesar and Howie, of Bathgate, called in the police and 
the Law Society after an internal probe.
Managing partner David Borrowman said: "Mrs Linn showed us a copy of 
her decree.
"It had been forged. Checks showed she was a client of Mr Anderson. I 
have discovered one other similar case."
He admitted other clients who may have been issued forged certificates 
could have remarried.
And he said: "Their marriages will be illegal if that proves to be the 
case."
Anderson worked at Caesar and Howie for two years until 1996 before 
moving to Livingston firm Allcourt.
But the Daily Record can reveal he was sacked from Allcourt last week.
Partner Stuart Peebles said: "Kenneth Anderson no longer works for us. 
He was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct. His work was court 
work and he did handle divorces.
"We have had a very extensive inquiry which is still continuing."
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "We have received two 
complaints about Mr Anderson which are now being investigated."

**

Poison alert over stolen sheep

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: Poison alert over stolen sheep

Daily Record, 24/03/1998, p7
by SHAUN MILNE

Sheep rustlers nabbed seven animals from a farm - unaware they had just 
been injected with a dangerous chemical.
Police think the thieves plan to slaughter and sell the black face 
sheep.
But anyone who eats the meat could end up poisoned.
The animals, which had orange markings, were given a worming injection 
shortly before they were stolen from farmland in Lochwinnoch, 
Renfrewshire, last week.
The chemical stays in their system for a month.
And police fear the contaminated meat will now end up on the black 
market.
A spokeswoman said: "If anyone very young or elderly eats meat from 
these animals then they could be seriously ill."
Officers yesterday warned people to be on their guard if they were 
offered the chance to buy cheap lamb or mutton.
And they appealed to anyone who had information about the theft to 
contact them on 01505 321113.

**

ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: ANIMAL FANATICS' FIRE PLOT TO HALT NATIONAL

Daily Record, 28/03/1998, p5
by SHAUN MILNE

Animal rights fanatics could wreck Scotland's top horse-race.
The Scottish Grand National has been targeted by the protesters, it was 
feared last night.
Fences have been torched and staff are working flat-out on repairs.
Police are investigating the arson attacks and extra security has been 
drafted in to guard the big- race jumps.
Jockey Club chiefs also confirmed they are reviewing security at the 
Ayr racecourse venue.
Security officer Irvine Anderson said: "The people who are doing this 
don't seem to care about the danger or expense they are causing.
"We've got extra cover on at nights now and will have security watching 
every jump.
"The police are assisting us as best they can and are having more 
patrols in the area at night. I'm worried animal rights activists are 
getting ideas."
Firebugs have already caused thousands of pounds of damage to hurdles 
at the country's premier racecourse.
Staff are desperately patching up the £84,000 fences ahead of one of 
Scotland's most lucrative betting races, on April 18.
Anderson added: "It's been particularly bad over the last couple of 
weeks."
A police spokesman said: "Bosses at the racecourse are worried.
"All we can do is help keep an eye on the place."
The Jockey Club said special inspectors will visit Ayr to check fences 
before the big meeting.
They fear any damage could put jockeys in danger. Spokeswoman Julie 
Cook said:
"The course will be inspected by us beforehand.
"We would condemn this criminal activity."
But she added: "It is up to the racecourse to make sure the jumps and 
course are in order."
The fire brigade confirmed they had been called to the course several 
times.
Top trainers Jenny Pitman, Jonjo O'Neill and Ayr-based Linda Perratt 
are expected to have horses competing at Ayr next month.
The Scottish Grand National will be the highlight of a weekend's 
racing, with more than £230,000 prize money up for grabs.
If the meeting did not go ahead, bookies would stand to lose more than 
£2million.
A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "Across the industry, it would be 
something of a disaster."

**

LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: LOTTO JOHN'S A GEM

Daily Record, 30/03/1998, p7
by Shaun Milne

Lotto millionaire John McGuinness has splashed out £150,000 on an 
engagement ring for his girlfriend.
The diamond sparkler was bought from a local jeweller as jackpot winner 
John prepares to wed for a second time.
Fiancee Sandra Baird said: "The ring is out of this world.
"I had to look twice when I opened the box."
The ring has already been photographed in meticulous detail for 
insurance purposes.
A family friend said: "I'll bet he got little change out of £150,000 
for that stone.
"It's enormous. We are all very happy for them."
John, 34, who landed £10million on the lotto in January, 1996, split 
from first wife Hazel shortly after his big win.
The former pounds 150-a-week hospital auxiliary expects his divorce to 
come through within weeks.
He'll then be free to wed long-term girlfriend Sandra, who said "yes" 
to his proposal of marriage.
At his plush £750,000 home in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, John said: "I'm 
absolutely delighted.
"Sandra and I have been together for several years now and we are so 
happy together."
Bride-to-be Sandra, 29, said she was over the moon - even if John's 
wasn't the most romantic of proposals.
She said: "There was no getting down on one knee. In fact, I don't 
think he formally proposed to me.
"Maybe he was just taking things for granted.
"He was more interested in getting out the door to go to a charity 
function for a wee boy who's not very well. We decided we are going to 
celebrate at a later date."
The couple have a daughter, Rachael, who was born last August.
John has another child, Lauren, nine, from his first marriage.
However, news of his engagement was tainted by reports of a growing 
rift between him and sister Anne Smith.
Anne, 39, is said to be furious her brother has blown more than 
£3million on exotic holidays, football souvenirs and a fleet of 
expensive cars.
He's also bought £1.3million worth of shares in Celtic football club.
But John is reported to be angry that Anne is not more grateful to him 
for splashing out thousands on her.
As well as forking out for a new home, he also bought her the pub in 
Shotts, Lanarkshire, where she used to work.
He is said to have driven right past her £100,000 home yesterday.
He was behind the wheel of his purple R-reg Ferrari with dad Bobby, 67, 
in the passenger seat.
Anne is looking after their mother Peggy, 63, who is recovering from a 
stroke, and Bobby is staying with John while she recovers.

**

£8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: £8000 COPTER MERCY FLIGHT FOR CUT THUMB

Daily Record, 06/04/1998, p15
by SHAUN MILNE

A French fisherman was airlifted by a rescue helicopter after he cut 
his THUMB.
The helicopter was scrambled from Stornoway Coastguard to lift him to 
Western Isles Hospital.
They had received an emergency call from the skipper of the Cathard.
And they had to ask for an interpreter to meet them when they landed on 
Lewis because the injured man couldn't speak English.
The three-hour rescue operation cost around pounds 8000.
But the fisherman was discharged from hospital just a short time after 
treatment.
The Cathard was hundreds of miles off St Kilda in the Atlantic Ocean 
when the operation was mounted.
A Coastguard spokesman said last night: "We could not have taken the 
risk of not responding. For all we knew, the man's tendons could have 
been severed or infection could have already set in.
"It would probably have taken them about 24 hours to sail to land to 
get him treated."
The S61N helicopter used in the rescue had state-of-the-art 
communications equipment.
It also had an extra fuel tank so it could stay in the air longer to 
search.
Three years ago, Labour demanded an inquiry into claims that foreign 
fisherman were abusing the rescue services.
It came after several crews, mostly Spanish, caused expensive rescue 
bids after drunken brawls aboard ships.
They also came under fire for radioing distress calls for minor 
injuries which did not need urgent treatment.
And in January this year, a search costing £240,000 turned out to be a 
hoax by a drunken sailor.
Scores of rescuers risked their lives when the man rang the Coastguard 
from home.
He claimed he was stranded on a life-raft in the Irish Sea.

**

POISON WATER CHARGE

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: POISON WATER CHARGE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p8
by SHAUN MILNE

Water bosses are to face court action accused of supplying polluted 
water to tens of thousands of Scots.
West of Scotland Water faces unlimited fines if the charge is upheld by 
the courts.
The company is charged with supplying water unfit for consumption 
because it was contaminated with diesel fuel.
Scottish Hydro Electric might also be charged.
The Crown Office said the possibility of proceedings against others 
could not be ruled out.
The Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie, announced his decision to take action 
yesterday.
More than 65,000 people in the north of Glasgow were left without clean 
water for more than a week at Christmas.
Supplies were polluted by diesel traced to a generator at the 
Burncrooks water treatment works at Drymen, near Loch Lomond.
Schools and shops had to close and residents had to go to sports 
centres if they wanted to have a shower. West of Scotland Water are 
already facing a £3million clear- up and compensation bill.
Chief executive Ernie Chambers came under fire at the time for refusing 
to cut short a holiday in the Maldives.
Stirling Sheriff Court granted the warrant that started indictment 
proceedings against the water authority .
The procurator fiscal will continue to investigate the incident before 
submitting a final report.

**

ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: ICE CREAM WAR KILLER ENDS HUNGER STRIKE

Daily Record, 08/04/1998, p12
by SHAUN MILNE

Ice Cream wars killer Thomas `TC' Campbell tucked into his first meal 
for two months yesterday.
He ended his hunger strike with a dish of noodles and curry powder, 
accompanied by a Complan energy drink.
The governor of Shotts Prison agreed to allow the food to be brought in 
to try to stop Campbell starving himself to death.
He has refused to eat prison food since being returned to jail in 
February.
Campbell, 45, and Joe Steele, 35, were locked up again after losing an 
appeal against convictions for killing six members of the Doyle family 
in Glasgow in 1984.
Relatives claim Campbell has lost over five stone since he began his 
protest.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: "TC always said he 
would eat food brought in from outside, but that is against the rules.
"The practicalities, and the risks associated with drugs being smuggled 
in, all meant it was not possible.
"But because of the exceptional circumstances the governor has agreed 
to a four-month trial."

**

SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: SNEERS OF HEARTLESS DEATH SMASH DRIVER

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p9
by Shaun Milne

A killer driver laughed as he walked free from court yesterday despite 
mowing down a dad.
Heartless Calum Robb, 23, sneered at waiting photographers outside.
He had faced a charge of causing death by dangerous driving following 
the tragedy last June.
But the Crown accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless 
driving.
Alexander Temple, 42, died instantly when Robb's car ploughed into the 
back of his bike.
Robb, of Lyon Cottage, Inverkip, Renfrewshire, was fined £500 and had 
eight penalty points put on his licence at Greenock Sheriff Court.
Sheriff John Herald told him: "I must disregard the consequences and 
consider only the level of carelessness."
But Alexander's grieving son Alistair, 15, slammed the sentence as far 
too lenient.
Choking back tears, he said: "It's shocking. I've lost my dad and am 
still struggling to come to terms with it.
"Yet the man who caused his death is just fined £500. He will have to 
live with the guilt.
"It's out of order."
Experienced cyclist Alexander was taking part in time trials for a race 
in Port Glasgow along with his son.
The court heard Robb was adjusting a sun visor in his car when he 
crashed into the dental technician.
Alexander was thrown into the air by the impact from Robb's Vauxhall 
Cavalier.
He died at the scene near the Newark Roundabout on the A8 on June 18 
last year.
Alistair, who lives with his mum Rae and older brother Graham in 
Kirkcaldy, was furious the Crown accepted Robb's lesser plea.
He said: "I think the most serious charge is the only one which would 
have been appropriate.
"The guy must have been driving recklessly to hit a cyclist the way he 
did.
"Mum hasn't heard the outcome of the court case, but she will be 
shattered."
Robb, a laminator, was told off by the sheriff for clambering over 
seats on his way to the dock.
He was also ordered to take chewing gum out of his mouth while 
appearing before the bench.
Robb's lawyer Tom Ward said: "It was a tragic but momentary inattention 
on his part.
"He looked up to adjust his sun visor and the next thing he remembers 
there was a cyclist in front of him."
But depute fiscal Clifford Most told Greenock Sheriff Court that 
experts estimated he could have seen for 700 metres at the spot.
He said: "There was no evidence that he had taken evasive action. He 
would have had ample time to notice the cyclist and avoid colliding 
with him.
"One eyewitness who had just overtaken the accused's car spoke of 
looking in his rear mirror and seeing a cyclist flying through the 
air."
Robb refused to comment as he was ushered out of court by relatives 
yesterday.
But a cousin said: "Calum feels terribly for the family of the victim. 
It has also affected him badly."

**

FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: FURY OVER DYING SON THROWN IN THE CELLS

Daily Record, 10/04/1998, p32
by Shaun Milne

A shattered mum and dad last night demanded a probe into their son's 
death.
Gordon Niven, 16, suffered a fractured skull - but he was thrown in a 
police cell because hospital staff thought he was high on drugs.
He was injured when he fell off his bike and banged his head on waste 
ground.
He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary but they 
failed to diagnose that his skull was fractured.
Hours after they called police to lock the boy up - for being 
aggressive - he was brain dead and his life- support machine turned 
off.
Now parents Pat and Gordon Niven, of Shawlands, Glasgow, have called 
for a fatal accident inquiry.
Heartbroken Gordon is determined that no other family should have to go 
through their agony.
He said: "The hospital didn't seem to think his head injury was serious 
enough to take him in and look after him.
"I want a public inquiry into this disastrous thing that has happened 
and hopefully it won't happen again to some innocent child taken into 
hospital for care."
On the way to the hospital, Gordon was bleeding badly and slipping in 
and out of consciousness.
Pat told how her son held her hand tightly during the five-minute 
journey last September.
She said: "Gordon was aware I was there. I was talking to him to try to 
stimulate him."
But in the hospital treatment room, Gordon lashed out and struck a 
nurse.
Staff said that they thought he had been drinking or taking drugs, 
despite a denial from his friend. He wasn't X-rayed. Police were called 
and Gordon was charged and taken to Aiken- head Road police station.
There, a police surgeon noticed bruising between his eyes and sent him 
back to hospital with a suspected fractured skull.
He was transferred to the Southern General where he was put on a life- 
support machine and a day later he was brain dead.
The hospital admitted they had not appreciated the seriousness of his 
injuries.
A spokesman said: "Patients are our first priority, but we must call 
the police if a patient becomes abusive."

**

LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: LOCH SPEED RAP SAILOR FOR TRIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p19
by SHAUN MILNE

The first man to be charged under new speed limit laws on Loch Lomond 
is to face trial.
Garry Hoffman stands accused of driving a speedboat at 34mph - over 
three times the legal limit.
He will go on trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July after pleading 
not guilty yesterday (fri).
Mr Hoffman, of Ashcroft Drive, Croftfoot, Glasgow, is alleged to have 
been speeding last August.
He was charged with driving too fast on a narrow stretch of water 
between the Ross Arden Shore and Inchtavannach Island.
The Loch Lomond Navigation By-Laws put in place an 11mph limit in the 
wake of a series of speeding accidents.
The worst saw mum-of-two Ann McAuley, 30, killed in June 1993 when two 
speedboats collided late at night.
Mrs McAuley from Rutherglen, Glasgow, suffered horrific head-injuries 
in the crash.
She had accepted a lift from stranger Scott Cuncliffe's unlit boat 
going from Duck Bay Marina to Inchmurrin island.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard that the other boat had been travelling 
at "high speed".
But Sheriff Robert Hay pointed the finger of blame at Cuncliffe, 30, 
from Edinburgh, for failing to take evasive action.
He said Cuncliffe would have been able to see the lights from the other 
boat travelling towards him, but doubted he was displaying any lights 
himself.
The then Scottish Secretary Ian Lang approved the by-laws after the 
findings to clamp down on ski-boats and jet skis.
They can now only open up their throttles fully in specially designated 
areas of the Loch.
Two weeks ago apprentice joiner Stephen McCallum, 16 died in a boating 
prank.
Stephen and pal Steve Smith, 17, from Kirkintilloch, capsized a boat 
they had taken without permission.
Only 24-hours beforehand The tragedy happened hours after Scotland 
football coach Craig Brown launched a Loch Lomond safety campaign.
It was aimed at preventing deaths, crime and speeding at the famous 
beauty spot.
Three days ago Strathclyde and Central Scotland police forced teamed up 
to form a crack patrol squad for the area.
They will target thefts, drunken behaviour and misuse of boats on the 
Loch until October.

**

DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: DIY DAD KILLED FIXING TV AERIAL

Daily Record, 11/04/1998, p21
by SHAUN MILNE

A father of four plunged 20 feet to his death while fixing a TV aerial.
Alan Fleming, 47, was doing the job as a favour for a pal.
And police suspected he suffered a heart attack moments before he fell.
Horrified passers-by dialled 999, and paramedics raced to the house in 
Balfour Street, Bannockburn, near Stirling.
But their efforts to revive him were in vain.
Jobless Mr Fleming, from Wallace Street, Bannockburn, was doing the 
work for friend Alistair Kinnell.
Alistair, 60, who runs a holiday firm in Livingston, West Lothian, said 
yesterday: "I still can't believe it.
"My wife and I hardly slept last night. We are really, really upset 
about it. He'd done odd jobs for me before, and he said he'd have a 
look at the aerial the next time he was passing.
"I saw him arrive, but he hadn't been up there a minute when he came 
tumbling down."
Mr Fleming and his wife, Anne, celebrated their silver wedding 
anniversary last year with children Elizabeth, 24, Sylvia, 23, Andrew, 
20, and Emma, 15.
Andrew said a post mortem would be carried out over the weekend to 
establish the cause of death.
He added: "We think he might have had a heart attack, but we are going 
to have to wait to find out."
"He didn't have any heart problems as far as I know, but his father 
did. He died a couple of months ago from a heart attack.
"Dad would do anything for anybody, and he had a good word for everyone.
"The phone has hardly stopped ringing since this happened."
Daughter Elizabeth's partner Billy Baff, 28, said: "Alan was just doing 
a favour. He did that sort of thing all the time."
Officials of the Health and Safety Executive visited the scene and 
examined Mr Fleming's ladders.
On Tuesday, 66-year-old John Mathieson was killed while trying to 
rewire the lighting system in the loft of his home in Clarkston, 
Glasgow.
On Wednesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Nigel Griffiths launched a 
guide to safer DIY.
It followed figures which showed DIY deaths reaching 70 a year, with 
250,000 other people injured.
Griffiths branded the accidents statistics as "appalling".

**

MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: MUM-TO-BE'S CLOSE CALL IN A PHONE BOX

Daily Record, 13/04/1998, p18
by SHAUN MILNE

A young mum sparked a red alert last night after going into labour in a 
public phone box.
The frantic woman dialled 999 and told the operator: "Help, I'm giving 
birth!"
Police raced to the scene and an ambulance crew were also scrambled.
The medics arrived at the call box outside a Post Office in Garscadden 
Road, Glasgow.
They found the panicking woman being coaxed to take deep breaths by the 
operator.
The drama happened just before 10pm.
Two midwives also rushed to the scene after receiving a radio call from 
the ambulance crew.
The woman, fighting back floods of tears, was then bundled into the 
back of the ambulance.
With the birth imminent, she was whisked away to the Queen Mother's 
Hospital in Glasgow.
On arrival at the hospital, she was immediately taken to the labour 
suite.
Within a matter of minutes, the baby arrived.
Last night, an ambulance source said: "Everything went fine. Both 
mother and baby were doing well."
One police officer said: "We got a call saying the woman was having a 
baby and just tried to get there as fast as we could.
"But the ambulance crew beat us to her.
"We initially thought she had already given birth.
"However, it would appear they managed to get the mum to the hospital 
in time.
"And as far as we've been told, both are safe and well at the Queen 
Mother's Hospital.
"But it was certainly a close call."
Hospital staff said the woman's identity was being kept secret until 
relatives had been told the happy news.

**

MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: MAGGIE'S AXEMAN DEAD

Daily Record, 14/04/1998, p2
by SHAUN MILNE

The man who butchered Britain's coal industry has died.
Sir Ian MacGregor, dubbed Mac the Knife for ripping the industrial 
heart out of Scotland, collapsed yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Taunton and Somerset Hospital after suffering a heart 
attack while on holiday in the area.
Last night, STUC chief Bill Speirs said: "I doubt if many tears will be 
shed for him in Scotland."
Not just the coal fields have reason to hold bitter memories of him - 
steel workers too suffered.
MacGregor, 85, was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher during her reign as 
Prime Minister.
She paid a New York bank £1.8million in the early 80s to bring him in 
to ruthlessly prune the British Steel Corporation.
Thousands of Scots jobs were lost as a result and UK-wide, MacGregor 
cut almost 100,000 steel jobs.
The cost-cutting changes he forced through led ultimately to the 
closure of works like Ravenscraig almost a decade later.
During the miners' strike, Ravenscraig was the scene of bitter 
confrontations between NUM pickets trying to stop coal supplies going 
into the steel plant.
And it was in that 1984/85 miners' strike that MacGregor gained true 
notoriety with the unions.
They called him Maggie's axeman, but the Tories regarded him as a hero 
as he headed the NCB fight against the miners.
MacGregor won - but the price was near-extinction for much of Britain's 
coal industry and Scotland was left with just one pit 10 years after 
the strike ended.
Scottish NUM leader in the dispute, Mick McGahey, said last night: "He 
was viciously anti-trade union and anti-working class.
"That is why he was appointed chairman of the coal board by Maggie 
Thatcher - to destroy trade unionism, not just in mining but in 
Britain."
Yet despite all the praise at the end of the dispute, MacGregor soon 
slipped into the background, and he retired as NCB chairman in 1986.
Thatcher knighted him, but they soon fell out over his book on the 
strike.
Last night, Thatcher said: "He brought a breath of fresh air to British 
industry and made a real difference."
But deputy general secretary of the STUC, Bill Speirs, gave a more 
commonly held Scottish view of him.
He said: "He took money from Margaret Thatcher to destroy the miners, 
their union, their communities and ultimately the country's coal 
industry."
He added that any death was a loss but "thousands have lost much, 
including the lives of loved ones, because of the actions which Sir Ian 
took with such enthusiasm".
MacGregor's Welsh-born wife Sibyl, whom he met during his years in the 
USA, died in 1996. They had a son and daughter.
Latterly Sir Ian's main home had been in Bermuda.
* HATE him or love him, Ian MacGregor left his mark on British industry.
Miners' leader Arthur Scargill branded him the "American butcher of 
British industry".
He replied: "I am not a butcher. I am a plastic surgeon. I try to 
rebuild damaged features."
But even MacGregor himself admitted he had a darker side.
He once described himself as "a hoary old b*****d who likes to win".
MacGregor was born in Kinlochleven, Argyll, going to a top public 
school before graduating from Glasgow University.
He began work at British Aluminium alongside his dad in 1935.
He moved to America in the 1940s, partly because he disliked the post- 
war Labour government's nationalisation programme.
He won a reputation as a shrewd buyer of metals for defence work for 
the government.
By the late 1960s, he had worked his way to the top of the Amax 
Corporation, a minerals and coal giant, and had a reputation for being 
tough but with a very shrewd business brain.
A workaholic, MacGregor, while based in Britain, often commuted to the 
US for the day by Concorde.

**

BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."

HeadLine: BED HER? I'VE NEVER BEEN ALONE WITH HER

Daily Record, 20/04/1998, p13
by Shaun Milne

Raging MP George Galloway has fiercely denied bedding a young student 
behind his girlfriend's back.
He scoffed: "Bed her, I've never even been alone with her!"
And he vowed to sue the people responsible for launching what he said 
was a hate campaign against him.
Cuban Judy Longcham-Lopez, 21, claimed Galloway had steamy romps with 
her.
She said he promised her a life of luxury away from the poverty endured 
under dictator Fidel Castro.
And in a Sunday paper she alleged Galloway set up a love-nest with 
phone, fax and bedtime reading.
But speaking exclusively to the Record, Glasgow Kelvin MP Galloway 
sneered: "This whole story is just a parcel of lies.
"It's the crescendo of a week full of hatred and abuse levelled against 
me."
Galloway is separated from wife Elaine and lives with Palestinian 
girlfriend Amineh Abu-Zayyad.
She was with him at their London flat yesterday.
George said: "She's standing right next to me. She's as solid as a 
rock. She knows the reason why these attacks are being made.
"This is all because I had the temerity to show the British people what 
affect sanctions are having on the Iraqi people.
"It constitutes the paid revenge of a woman known to me but who has 
never been in any kind of personal relationship with me."
Galloway sparked a row last week by bringing Iraqi Mariam Hamza to 
Glasgow for treatment for leukemia.
He was accused of using the four-year-old as a political pawn to have 
sanctions against her country lifted.
He went on: "It is no coincidence this tissue of lies has been 
published at the end of a week in which the abuse against me for having 
exposed to the British people, perhaps for the first time, the reality 
of what the sanctions policy is doing in Iraq, has peaked.
"This story is a well-paid-for act of revenge by this individual with 
whom I have never had any kind of personal relationship.
"I have NEVER been alone with this woman.
"I'll be suing for libel. I've already fixed an appointment with my 
lawyers.
"And I'll sue anyone who repeats its import."
Galloway poured scorn on Judy's claim that she first met him in public 
three years ago while she posed nude in a hotel bubble bath.
He completely denied ever meeting her alone, having sex with her or 
having any relationship with her other than as a boss.
He said: "I was never in Cuba in 1995.
"The very idea that in Communist Cuba a woman would be allowed to lie 
nude in a bubble bath in a public place in a hotel owned by the 
government is laughable."
He said she worked for him and colleagues while they tried to set up a 
restaurant in Cuba.
Her job involved finding accommodation they could use as a flat and 
office while negotiating the deal which later fell through.
Galloway said Judy was a keyholder to the flat but was not allowed to 
take anyone there.
But he said one of his business partners found out she had abused their 
trust.
He said: "He came in one night to discover this woman in bed with a 
Cuban man.
"Later, he discovered that an electronic diary and a small quantity of 
cash was missing from his luggage. He reported this to us, phoned her 
and dismissed her."
But Galloway warned he would fight his critics.
He said: "My activities are controversial enough to allow papers to 
attack me in the fiercest possible way.
"But any newspaper which lies about me will be sued for libel. I will 
always take legal action."